First Look: Ohio State
Here’s an early look at Purdue’s ninth opponent of the 2024 season, the Ohio State Buckeyes:
Date/Time: Saturday, November 9, Noon E.T.
Location: Ohio Stadium
Surface: Shaw Sports Momentum Pro Turf
Capacity: 102,780 (sold out)
Weather: Very early forecast shows a high of 65 with partly cloudy skies
2024 schedules/records: Purdue 1-7 (0-5 Big Ten), Ohio State 7-1 (4-1 Big Ten)
Series notes: Some of the most iconic moments of Purdue’s 21st century resulted from upsets of the Buckeyes. Purdue’s recorded five victories against Ohio State since the turn of the millennium, all coming in West Lafayette (2000, 2004, 2009, 2011, 2018). While Ross-Ade Stadium provided some great moments for Purdue, The Horseshoe hasn’t been so kind. Purdue’s last win over the Buckeyes came in 1988. Though 1999, 2003 and 2012 put some fear into the scarlet and grey faithful, it’s not come easily in Columbus. Ohio State leads the all-time series 42-15-2 and enters with a 26-5-2 edge in home games.
TV: FOX
Early line: Ohio State -38.5
STORYLINES TO WATCH
Largest underdog role…ever?
On Sunday morning, sports books began posting the Boilermakers as a 38.5-point underdog. Given the Boilermakers’ struggles and the NFL talent-laden Ohio State roster, this comes as little surprise. Per GoldandBlack.com’s knowledge, this is the largest underdog role in Purdue history. One of the largest underdog situations in program lore occurred in 1974 when a 34-point underdog Purdue team stunned Notre Dame beneath the Golden Dome in a 31-20 upset. The Boilermakers last played as a 30-point underdog last season in Ann Arbor when Michigan entered as a 31-point favorite.
Decision at quarterback
Purdue entered the Northwestern game planning to roll with a two-quarterback system, and it did just that. Hudson Card played the first two series, and then Ryan Browne played the next two. From that point, Card played every remaining snap, turning in a strong performance and giving the Boilermakers a chance to win.
While it felt clear that Card provides Purdue with the best chance at offensive success, Ryan Walters did not commit to a specific approach at quarterback in the aftermath of the Northwestern loss. Will Purdue continue playing both, or will Card return to his role as “the guy?”
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Ohio State’s roster
Following a third-straight loss to hated Michigan, Ohio State went all-in on 2024 as a season to return to the sport’s mountaintop. First, Ohio State convinced several NFL-caliber players to return for a final season in Columbus, including edge rushers Jack Sawyer and JT Tuimoloau and wideout Emeka Egbuka. Then, it attacked the transfer portal to bring in a fresh quarterback in Will Howard, an elite running back in Quinshon Judkins and All-American safety Caleb Downs.
The Buckeyes pushed all their chips to the center of the table for the 2024 season. After a big win at Penn State last week, they’ll hope to continue rolling as they seek revenge against the Wolverines later this month.
Ryan Walters on the Buckeyes
It’s a very talented roster with a level of coaching that is why it is Ohio State. They are balanced and that makes them extra difficult. They have maybe the best freshman receiver we have seen (Jeremiah Smith)
and a lot of guys you will see on Sundays before long. We look forward to the competing against the best, that is why you are in a league like the Big Ten.
