NU/PU Prediction Thread

rmndcat

Junior
Sep 4, 2009
2,805
234
63
Football is back. We usually post the prediction thread on Wednesdays before Saturday games (Game Day-3), but since this week's inaugural game is on Thursday, let's get started...

NU 24
PU 15
 
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SmellyCat

Junior
May 29, 2001
7,295
357
83
I've been thinking 28-17 for the last several weeks, so I'm not going to change it now. It feels like a low-scoring game to me, though 45 total points isn't THAT low.

There will be at least one TD that will come from the D (either the D scoring it or the D making a play to get the O in good field position).

Purdue will also score early and will lead some in the first half before NU pulls away in the third quarter.

Thorson plays and has a workmanlike game. Cam Green gets NU's first TD of the season. Larkin is good but nothing spectacular (like 19 carries for 88 yards or something), and Moten/Bowser get a few carries as well.
 

Williesfan

Freshman
Sep 24, 2009
2,744
54
0
NU27
Purdon’t 23

I beleive CT will start but will not play the complete game. I also think both teams will not eclipse the over.
 

DaCat

All-Conference
May 29, 2001
25,803
2,235
113
NU 29
PU 22

Larkin has over 150 yds rushing and 2 TDs.
CT plays the whole game.
Paddy has over 10 tackles and does not get kicked out for targeting.
Gazilla has 2 or more sacks.
 

zbag51

Senior
Apr 12, 2018
2,463
448
83
My gut says we win big. PU scores a TD on its first drive as our d plays soft off the bat. They score one more time on a trick play. The rest of the time, our d is dominant and the o is clicking.
NU 35
PU 14
 

JoeWildcat

Sophomore
Jul 31, 2001
2,727
138
46
NU 27 PU 13. I think Hank has the D ready; just a question of whether CT is healthy and the offense clicks.
 

stpaulcat

Senior
May 29, 2001
35,384
919
113
NU 33
Purdue 21

Green starts at QB. NU in the red zone on their second drive. No score. First down and 10 on the 18 and CT comes in. Green stays in. On that first down CT completes a pass to Green (TJ not Cameron) in the end zone for the first score. Why the trick play? Diversionary strategy. NU never trails, wins by 12. In the third Q, Green spells CT, passes to Green (Cameron) for NU's third touchdown, demonstrating NU's backup QB plan--Green to Green. Finally we have a QB back-up plan.
 

Deeringfish

All-Conference
Jun 23, 2008
21,504
1,543
63
NU 33
Purdue 21

Green starts at QB. NU in the red zone on their second drive. No score. First down and 10 on the 18 and CT comes in. Green stays in. On that first down CT completes a pass to Green (TJ not Cameron) in the end zone for the first score. Why the trick play? Diversionary strategy. NU never trails, wins by 12. In the third Q, Green spells CT, passes to Green (Cameron) for NU's third touchdown, demonstrating NU's backup QB plan--Green to Green. Finally we have a QB back-up plan.
OH, what a fun game! You could have at least put "Spoiler alert" at the beginning.:mad:
 

scru

Redshirt
Sep 4, 2005
2,388
8
0
NU 24
PU 13

Boilers come out with a good script against our too predictable and conservative D and score on opening posession. Hank adjusts and holds them to 2 FGs for remainder of the game, which is a huge accomplishment as they go pass happy once they fall behind.

NUs offense looks like the experienced and veteran group that they are, not making big mistakes and moving the ball consistently against Boiler inexperienced D and questionable front 7. 2 rushing TDs, one passing and one FG that should have been a TD as Cats rediscover that they still can't run the ball 3 times from the 5 and score.

Cats get two takeaways during the game, one late in basically garbage time.
 
Sep 1, 2001
299
202
0
This is an interesting game. There are no fans on either board that think the other team will win. I expect Thorson to play the entire game, and he may have a little rust early, but will be fine.
I will say NU 27 Purdue 21
The difference will be our young D will give up some big plays, but I would be shocked if this game is a blowout either way. Good luck!
 

corbi2961

Senior
Sep 9, 2005
30,524
786
0
I don’t know who will win this game but I am highly confident in saying that Brohm and Purdue won’t hang 30+ on our defense. In fact, I am not sure they can get into the 20s. If our offense struggles and Purdue plays well, I think this will be a close Purdue victory (21-17). If Thorson/Larkin come out firing and get us a lead, our defense plays as well as we think they can and Purdue becomes a pass happy/one dimensional team trying to come from behind, then I think it is more likely that NU wins comfortably (31-13).
 
May 29, 2001
45,734
386
0
I don’t know who will win this game but I am highly confident in saying that Brohm and Purdue won’t hang 30+ on our defense. In fact, I am not sure they can get into the 20s. If our offense struggles and Purdue plays well, I think this will be a close Purdue victory (21-17). If Thorson/Larkin come out firing and get us a lead, our defense plays as well as we think they can and Purdue becomes a pass happy/one dimensional team trying to come from behind, then I think it is more likely that NU wins comfortably (31-13).
Corbi, I'm not sure anyone knows who will win. This is a prediction thread. For the Dr Know thread see another thread setter.
 

CatChatAR

Sophomore
Jun 5, 2011
1,570
130
63
PU 27
NU 21

As much as I hate to write this...we don't start fast, even if Thorson starts he will likely be tentative. I'm not sure I completely trust the SkyTeam just yet, they have a new coach there that hasn't done that position in a long time and while I love the players I'm not sure about Williams as a corner we can leave alone and the safeties where they can throw over the top.

I think we'll be able to run eventually on them but it may be too little too late.
 

Chuckster1973

Redshirt
May 3, 2018
477
0
0
I expect us to start slow and fall behind and then take over and win the game. However, I think it will be a one-score close game.
 

Alaskawildkat

Senior
Dec 28, 2005
20,811
563
113
NU 24 PU 17

I am impressed with both of the Purdue quarterbacks’ success in connecting with their receivers and expect our secondary to be well tested. On the other hand I believe our defense is capable of shutting down the run game to keep the opponent’s offense one dimensional. If we can make stops in the red zone we should be able to pull out what I expect to be a close game.
 
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May 29, 2001
45,734
386
0
This is an interesting game. There are no fans on either board that think the other team will win. I expect Thorson to play the entire game, and he may have a little rust early, but will be fine.
I will say NU 27 Purdue 21
The difference will be our young D will give up some big plays, but I would be shocked if this game is a blowout either way. Good luck!
We are going to crush them. That's the story. This is our best team since our last BigTen championship. At least two scores.
 

Purple Pile Driver

All-Conference
May 14, 2014
28,552
3,714
113
PU 27
NU 21

As much as I hate to write this...we don't start fast, even if Thorson starts he will likely be tentative. I'm not sure I completely trust the SkyTeam just yet, they have a new coach there that hasn't done that position in a long time and while I love the players I'm not sure about Williams as a corner we can leave alone and the safeties where they can throw over the top.

I think we'll be able to run eventually on them but it may be too little too late.
You wouldn’t happen to be one of the National Pundits would you?
 

TejasCat

Sophomore
Apr 5, 2010
3,032
124
63
I'll go with 27-21 Cats. But this game eerily reminds me of the opener against Western Michigan predictions from a few years ago. Seemed like EVERYONE thought we were gonna steamroll them.

Larkin busts for 150+ as we rush for over 200 yards and control LOS. Purdue throws for 300+ but bend don't break D survives.
 

FloridAlum

Senior
May 29, 2001
16,227
588
0
I think it will not be a very high-scoring game, but the Cats win. The hell with the pointspread
 

ricko6543211

Junior
Nov 15, 2006
4,231
229
47
I don’t know who will win this game but I am highly confident in saying that Brohm and Purdue won’t hang 30+ on our defense. In fact, I am not sure they can get into the 20s. If our offense struggles and Purdue plays well, I think this will be a close Purdue victory (21-17). If Thorson/Larkin come out firing and get us a lead, our defense plays as well as we think they can and Purdue becomes a pass happy/one dimensional team trying to come from behind, then I think it is more likely that NU wins comfortably (31-13).
I mostly agree with this except that I'm worried about our secondary giving up big plays. I have a feeling they'll throw early and often. The DBs will get a good test. I'm fairly confident in Montre, Trae and Alonzo have been mixed over the years so hopefully they'll have grown into more prominent roles this year. Also I think JR Pace has tons of potential but this is an entirely different ball game. And McGee is transitioning from a part-time player to a full-time starter, which won't be easy.

If we hold them under 300 yards passing I'd be happy. Of course, as we all know our Cover 4 is designed to give up yards and force the other team to consistently execute between the 20s, then tighten up in the red zone and limit points. So lots of passing yards may not == lots of points. But we will see...
 

IndyNDBJJ

All-Conference
May 25, 2016
1,851
3,530
113
Northwestern is the better team but Purdue is unveiling a new field & making this their biggest opener in decades. A lot of emotion in this game for Purdue to keep it close, but Northwestern wins it 31-27.
 
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