GoldandBlack.com Predictions: Purdue vs. Penn State

They don’t come any more difficult than this, as Purdue takes its seven-game losing streak on the road to Columbus to meet a third-ranked Ohio State team that has no choice but to win this game and the capability to really pour it on.

Our GoldandBlack.com staff predictions …

MIKE CARMIN, CONTRIBUTOR

Overall Thought: The lingering question of the week: Can the Boilermakers cover the 38.5-point spread? 

Overall Thought: I’ve exhausted my overall thoughts on the season and the program’s future. Just refer to last week’s overall thoughts.

*The* Key To The Game: If some how, some way, the Boilermakers could score first, that might change the narrative.

Your Pick To Click (offense): Gus Hartwig. Have a day, Mr. Hartwig, in your final home game.

Your Pick To Click (defense): Kydran Jenkins. Another senior who has earned a hearty farewell.

Spiciest Take: Ryan Walters bypasses a field goal attempt, runs a fake for a first down.

Predicted Score: Penn State 41, Purdue 6

TOM DIENHART, GOLDANDBLACK.COM

Overall Thought: Another week, another AP Top 5 opponent. This time, it’s No. 4 Penn State.

*The* Key To The Game: Shorten it by running the ball. But can Purdue’s ground game get traction vs. a rugged Nittany Lion defense?

Your Pick To Click (offense): TE Max Klare. He’s the surest best, the best target and top NFL prospect on the offense.

Your Pick To Click (defense): NT Cole Brevard. The former Penn Stater will be motivated vs. his former school.

Spiciest Take: Ryan Browne will play meaningful minutes. Why not?

Predicted Score: Penn State 48, Purdue 6. 

ALAN KARPICK, GOLDANDBLACK.COM

Overall Thought: Purdue is setting records in the wrong direction this year. For the sake of the capacity crowd (at least in tickets sold) one has to hope for a more competitive game than we have seen this entire season. I am not holding my breath on that one, however.

*The* Key To The Game: Score in the first quarter. It is unbelievable that the Boilermakers have gone eight straight weeks without a TD in the first 15 minutes.

Your Pick To Click (offense): Devin Mockobee: No real sound reason for this selection, except he continues to show great effort no matter the situation.

Your Pick To Click (defense): Kydran Jenkins — It’s Senior Day—he has had a very solid career at Purdue, and maybe he goes out by doing something special.

Spiciest take: Purdue will score that elusive first-quarter touchdown, then miss the extra point.

Predicted Score: Penn State 34, Purdue 6

JORDAN JONES, CONTRIBUTOR

Overall Thought: It’s the final game at Ross-Ade Stadium, but many likely wish it was the final one on the schedule. It’s almost time to put this forgettable season to rest.

*The* Key To The Game: Purdue has scored a mere 10 points in the first quarter all season. It will need that on Saturday to get momentum if it wishes to threaten the likely CFP-bound Nittany Lions.

Your Pick To Click (offense): Devin Mockobee. Through thick and thin, he never stops competing.

Your Pick To Click (defense): Dillon Thieneman. This hasn’t been the follow-up season he hoped for, but can he finally pick off his first pass of 2024?

Spiciest Take: The Big Ten’s TV partners can’t be thrilled with some of the matchups going in prime windows. This is a noon BTN game all day, but instead, it’s on CBS at 3:30. Predicted Score: Penn State 35, Purdue 3. Don’t ask me who attempts the field goal.

BRIAN NEUBERT, THERE ARE NO LIONS IN PENNSYLVANIA

Overall Thought: On the day the seniors — and however many others are bound for the portal say good-bye to Ross-Ade, it’s the fans who’ve kept showing up that deserve recognition, too, though maybe I’m speaking too soon on “kept showing up.”

*The* Key To The Game: Score first. I’m not saying the record would be any better if Purdue ever struck first, but the games might have looked better.

Your Pick To Click (offense): Hudson Card. Purdue’s offense just has had no chance against elite teams like this, but I have to pick somebody.

Your Pick To Click (defense): Antonio Stevens. Sure, why not?

Spiciest Take: What’s even left to say?

Predicted Score: Penn State 37, Purdue 7.

CHAT GTP, STAFF AI BOT

Just trying to make sure we are more interesting …