PU @ NU Prediction Thread

rmndcat

Junior
Sep 4, 2009
2,805
234
63
After denying Penn State their first B1G win of the season in Happy Valley last week, the Cats return home to host Purdue, against whom they have a two-game winning streak. The match is a renewal of the blood feud protected rivalry from the Legendary Leaders Era of the B1G.

To avoid a let-down, NU needs to continue the solid play from last week when the Cats had a balanced ground and passing offense, and a defense that kept the Nittany Lions in check. Special teams was the only weak spot with a muffed kick reception and a blocked kick. Purdue has an offense that can score, but NU’s defense has been quietly among the best in the B1G.

Booth Tarkington 17

George RR Martin 28

(Edited due to error with initial alumni).
 
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AdamOnFirst

All-Conference
Nov 29, 2021
10,103
1,686
113
If Purdue doesn't turn the ball over and/or commit penalties, which they typically do a ton of, this could get frisky. However, we ought to be able to smack em on the ground, get the play action going, and score.

Black and Purple: 31
Black and Gold: 21

THis not being a one score game in the end is... maybe a bit of wishful thinking for my heartrate.
 
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LathamLad

Freshman
Jul 17, 2025
32
64
18
After denying Penn State their first B1G win of the season in Happy Valley last week, the Cats return home to host Purdue, against whom they have a two-game winning streak. The match is a renewal of the blood feud protected rivalry from the Legendary Leaders Era of the B1G.

To avoid a let-down, NU needs to continue the solid play from last week when the Cats had a balanced ground and passing offense, and a defense that kept the Nittany Lions in check. Special teams was the only weak spot with a muffed kick reception and a blocked kick. Purdue has an offense that can score, but NU’s defense has been quietly among the best in the B1G.


Karen Black 17

Cloris Leachman 28
??? Both went to Northwestern. I knew one of them (Black).
 

rmndcat

Junior
Sep 4, 2009
2,805
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??? Both went to Northwestern. I knew one of them (Black).
Interesting. Karen Black showed up in a listing of Purdue alums, but PU doesn't show up in her Wikipedia, while NU does. I'll have to go back and find someone else. Thanks for catching that.
 
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Purple Pete

Freshman
Sep 22, 2025
73
51
18
George Peppard and Jim Gaffigan both went to Purdue, and Gaffigan was on their football team.

Purple Pete 28
Purple Pete 27
 

rmndcat

Junior
Sep 4, 2009
2,805
234
63
George Peppard and Jim Gaffigan both went to Purdue, and Gaffigan was on their football team.

Purple Pete 28
Purple Pete 27

Earlier I had Karen Black and Cloris Leachman as the score alumni, but learned that Karen Black went to NU, not PU. Serves me right for picking the wrong list off of Google.
 
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TheC

All-Conference
May 29, 2001
19,216
1,301
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Earlier I had Karen Black and Cloris Leachman as the score alumni, but learned that Karen Black went to NU, not PU. Serves me right for picking the wrong list off of Google.
Don't trust AI !!
 
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Deeringfish

All-Conference
Jun 23, 2008
21,141
1,383
63
I haven't been very hopeful for NU this season but the PSU game has made me more of a believer. I don't care what you say about PSU having lost its way, they are loaded with great athletes and NU handled them, winning in spite of a couple of mistakes that normally seem to derail NU.
I think the team will be inspired and have an increased confidence and swagger tis week. Practice will be proud and inspired and focused. We can beat anyone, anywhere attitude!
The weather will be wet but not too cold, weather .com says 1/4 of rain all day that is not much but it looks like things will continually be misty. The game may rest on turnovers but if the RBs can protect the ball the ground game should be successful.
Statement game.
NU 31
PU 10
 
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mickbula

Junior
Jul 1, 2011
2,975
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Lilly hall 34
McCormick tech hall. 21
The carriage turns to a pumpkin. Sorry just not confident this time around
 
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TheC

All-Conference
May 29, 2001
19,216
1,301
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I haven't been very hopeful for NU this season but the PSU game has made me more of a believer. I don't care what you say about PSU having lost its way, they are loaded with great athletes and NU handled them, winning in spite of a couple of mistakes that normally seem to derail NU.
I think the team will be inspired and have an increased confidence and swagger tis week. Practice will be proud and inspired and focused. We can beat anyone, anywhere attitude!
The weather will be wet but not too cold, weather .com says 1/4 of rain all day that is not much but it looks like things will continually be misty. The game may rest on turnovers but if the RBs can protect the ball the ground game should be successful.
Statement game.
NU 31
PU 10
I think that is what gets lost in the happy ending at Penn State.... we won despite having a punt blocked fairly deep in our own territory and a fumbled punt return very deep in our own territory. Those are the kind of plays that usually get underdogs beat.
 
May 29, 2001
7,244
275
56
Due 24
NU over Due 27

Let’s hope the Cats can keep rolling after the big win last week. Purdue seems to be able to score. Can our defense derail them? Can our offense continue to improve?

Should be a tight game. Go Cats!
 
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LACatFan

Freshman
May 29, 2001
2,842
96
48
Rain is in the forecast which should give NU the edge. By the stats, Northwestern's Rush D is significantly better that Purdue's and likewise the Cats rushing offense vs. the Boilers. The latter surprises me given that Purdue have a scary mobile QB in Browne and Mockobee at RB.

That said, my picks have been in the 'Upside Down' realm all season to NU's advantage, so I'm going to embrace superstition and go with it.

Purdue Pete - 27
Willy - 23