Game Details:
- Matchup: Purdue Boilermakers at Notre Dame Fighting Irish
- Date: Saturday, September 20
- Time: 3:30 PM EST
- Venue: Notre Dame Stadium, South Bend, IN
- Spread: Notre Dame -24.5
- Total: 54.5 (Over/Under)
Game Preview
The historic in-state rivalry between the Purdue Boilermakers and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish is renewed this Saturday in South Bend. The No. 2 ranked Fighting Irish enter the contest as heavy 24.5-point favorites, looking to continue a dominant season. For Purdue, this game is more than just another matchup; it’s a chance to make a statement. As one analysis notes, “the rivalry aspect cannot be ignored either, as Purdue always views Notre Dame as a measuring stick.”
Notre Dame has navigated a challenging 2025 schedule that has seen them deal with various injuries, but they remain a powerhouse. The Irish are expected to have too much talent and depth for the Boilermakers to handle on both sides of the ball. Playing at home, Notre Dame will be looking for a convincing victory to solidify its standing as a national title contender.
However, Purdue will come into this game with maximum motivation. Covering a spread of more than three touchdowns is a tall task for any team, especially in a rivalry game where emotions run high. The Boilermakers will aim to slow the game down, control the clock, and force Notre Dame into mistakes. If they can keep the Irish offense on the sideline and get a few key stops, they have a strong chance to keep this game closer than the experts predict.
Key To The Game: Injury Concerns
Both teams are heading into the weekend with question marks on their injury reports that could impact the game’s outcome.
- Notre Dame: The biggest concern for the Irish is the status of their kicker, Noah Burnette, who is listed as questionable for the game. If Burnette is unable to play, it could significantly alter Notre Dame’s strategy in the red zone and on fourth downs, potentially leaving crucial points off the board.
- Purdue: The Boilermakers are monitoring the health of cornerback I. Needam, who is also listed as questionable. His presence would be a major boost to a secondary tasked with slowing down Notre Dame’s high-powered passing attack. If he is unable to go, Purdue’s defense will face an even tougher challenge.
Prediction
While Notre Dame is the vastly superior team on paper, a 24.5-point spread in a rivalry game is a massive number. Purdue will play its most focused game of the season, treating this as their Super Bowl. The questionable status of Notre Dame’s kicker is a significant wild card; a few stalled drives that end in turnovers on downs instead of field goals could be the difference between a cover and a blowout.
The Fighting Irish will win the game, but the Boilermakers will do just enough to keep the final margin respectable. Expect Notre Dame’s offense to put up points, but Purdue should be able to score enough against a potential prevent defense late to help push the total over.
The Pick: Purdue +24.5
Over/Under: Over 54.5
Predicted Final Score: Notre Dame 41, Purdue 20
Sources:
Report an Injury – Environmental Health and Safety – Purdue University
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