Purdue was 4-8 a year ago. They won their opening game two weeks ago over FCS Indiana State 49-0. The Boilermakers enjoyed a bye last weekend. Ryan Walters who came over from Illinois after a successful run as a defensive coordinator, is now in his second year in West Lafayette.
The Boilers offensively are led by Senior QB Hudson Card, the former five-star recruit had a record setting day in the opener. He hit an amazing 24 of 25 passes good for 273 yards and 4 TDs. Card will tuck it and run, he rushed for five TDs to go along with 15 TD passes as a full-time starter last season.
In game one Card spread the ball out to an impressive 12 different receivers. His top target was sophomore tight end Max Klare who caught five for 71 yards. Jahmal Edrine is a big physical wideout who missed last season due to injury after transferring in from Florida Atlantic. The Boilers have high hopes for him, he caught 4 passes for 59 yards against Indiana State.
The bellwether back is junior Devin Mockobee. He has amassed nearly 1800 yards the last two seasons and 15 touchdowns. He led Purdue with 89 yards on 11 carries in week one. Mockobee is also is a dangerous receiver.
6-3, 333 Cole Brevard anchors the middle of the defensive line. He is joined by rising sophomore Will Heldt at defensive end. Heldt was a one-man wrecking crew in game one, totaling six tackles and two sacks. Second year safety Dillon Thinemann was a first team freshman All-American and led the 2023 Boilers with an impressive 106 tackles and 6 interceptions.
Overall the Boilers struggled statistically on both sides of the ball in 2023, but for 2024 they have the look of a team on the rise. Walters has a reputation as a guy who really knows defense, his system should now be fully installed and understood. Hudson Card can make all the throws and he is in the second year now under offensive coordinator Graham Harrell. The Boilers have solid players along the defensive line and safety Dillon Thinemann could be a star in the making. The crowd at Purdue will also be an advantage, apparently many Purdue fans have never quite gotten over being dropped as an annual ND opponent when the Irish went to playing five ACC games per season.
The likelihood is that Notre Dame will return to their pre-Northern Illinois form, at least on the defensive side of the ball. The biggest question mark for the Irish is, can they establish some offensive balance? The answer to the question lays directly on Riley Leonard’s throwing arm. If he passes the ball well, the Irish should roll, if not look for another dogfight.
Notre Dame is a 10.5-point favorite and the OVER/UNDER is 45.5
The Fighting Irish Preview Pick: Notre Dame 24 Purdue 17