Underwood Agency Presents: Purdue-Washington staff predictions

Again this season, GoldandBlack.com shares its willy-nilly predictions and half-baked takes in advance of each of Purdue’s football games. GoldandBlack.com members, share your predictions, no matter how stupid and inane, at Knucklehead Central. Purdue is hot right now and the crowd’s energy will reflect it. But this is another sliding-doors moment. Fall flat and the air comes out of the balloon pretty quick. The aim here has to be build on success and the way to do that is to embrace what produced that success and maintain it at all costs. My biggest question: Does it matter if Demond Williams doesn’t play? U-Dub might be better off with the backup having had a week of prep. I can’t imagine that Williams being on this roster only under threat of litigation played well with his team.Most important player: Purdue’s corners. They’re being trusted to play on islands in man-to-man coverage quite a bit. The game plan might be different this week than the last two, but they are playing well.Prediction: Purdue 27, Washington 20 What a difference a month makes. Purdue has won two in a row and–dare we say–dreaming off a bowl. My biggest question: Has the defense really turned a corner? The unit has impressed the last two weeks, allowing an aggregate 30 points after an inauspicious September. The coverage is a bit better, while the run defense has been stout. This unit is greater than the sum of its parts. Whatever. It’s working, which is why hope floats in West Lafayette. Most important player: Fame Ijeboi. It starts with No. 2. If he is rolling, everything on offense opens up. We saw it last week in a demolition of Minnesota. Ryan Browne has room to pass–and run. And the offense can stretch the field horizontally and vertically. Prediction: Purdue 45, Washington 17 A cold, blustery night in Ross-Ade might test these two teams’ will. Washington has been embarrassed so far in Big Ten play and Purdue has a chance to become a “surprise team” with a victory tonight. If the Boilermakers stick to their winning formula of no turnovers, drops, and a reasonable number of penalties, they can win a game few thought they could before the season. My biggest question: Do game conditions effect this game any? Most important player(s): Ryan Browne, as is the case with most quarterbacks, is the reason for the Boilermakers’ relative resurgence and will be the reason Purdue takes another step forward tonight. Prediction: Purdue 31, Washington 28 Purdue finally comes into a game week with some optimism. Will there be any hangover from the Boilers after an emotional win over Illinois last Saturday? Barry Odom and Co. hope not as they look to notch a second straight Big Ten win for the first time since 2022. My biggest question: Can Purdue cash in on opportunities? The red zone offense has hindered what has otherwise been an efficient and, dare I say, great offense for the Boilermakers this season. Settling for three isn’t going to work against the Gophers.My most important player: Purdue secondary. Getting turnovers will be paramount in allowing the defense to have sustained success. Drake Lindsey has four through five games. Can Purdue add to that tally?Prediction: Minnesota 28, Purdue 21. Both teams share a 3-3 record, but the feelings couldn’t be any more different. Purdue will take the field with real momentum, but it must build on it early. Washington is a vulnerable opponent, but Purdue can’t allow it to get its head above water. My biggest question: Can Purdue continue starting strong? In its last two wins, Purdue hit the ground running on offense, scoring and chewing up the clock. Thus, the defense could stay fresh while resting on the sideline. Complementary football at its finest.My most important player: Ryan Browne. He’s been marvelous for Purdue, and if he can continue to take care of the football and make winning plays, Purdue will hit the bye week with a winning record.Prediction: Purdue 27, Washington 23