Can the No. 2 Oregon Ducks survive the surprise offer from Purdue’s “Spoilermakers”? Preview, prediction

EUGENE – The No. 2 Oregon Ducks are in West Lafayette, Indiana, for a matchup against the Purdue Boilermakers. The Ducks are undefeated so far this season with a record of 6-0, most recently defeating Ohio State in a historic game at Autzen Stadium. Purdue, on the other hand, got off to a rocky start. The Boilermakers are 1-5 on the season and 0-3 in the Big Ten. Although the Ducks have the advantage with 28.5 points and a 95.1 percent chance of winning, according to ESPN, Purdue is a dangerous opponent because they are notorious for upsetting ranked teams.

An unranked Purdue team has defeated a top-two team nine times since 1950, the most by any school. Many have nicknamed the Purdue Boilermakers the “Spoilermakers” for this reason. In fact, Purdue’s 17 wins against unranked AP top-five teams are the most ever.

Purdue’s history of pulling off upsets against ranked teams is a testament to the program’s ability to defy expectations. The Boilermakers have a knack for pulling off seemingly impossible victories against heavily favored opponents. Whether it’s a last-second field goal, a defensive performance or a game-changing performance from an unexpected playmaker, Purdue has always found ways to shock the college football world.

The Boilermakers have defeated No. 2 teams nine times, including memorable victories over Iowa (24-7 in 2021), Ohio State (49-20 in 2018, 28-23 in 1983) and Michigan (16-14 in 2021). year 1976). , Notre Dame (31-20 in 1974, 28-14 in 1950), Minnesota (23-14 in 1960) and Michigan State (20-13 in 1957, 6-0 in 1953).

Although Purdue has only won one game this season, securing a victory over Indiana State in the season opener, the Boilermakers are putting together their best performance yet.

Purdue nearly upset No. 23 Illinois on Saturday, Oct. 12. The Boilermakers lost by just one point, 49-50, and overcame a 27-3 deficit in the third quarter, demonstrating their resilience.

The Boilermakers also found their new starting quarterback in Ryan Browne during the loss. The 1.90 meter tall, 100 kilogram quarterback found his rhythm against Illinois, threw for 297 yards, rushed for another 118 yards and threw three touchdown passes without losing the ball.

“He’s a good quarterback. You know, a really impressive quarterback. The young man had a good command of the system and what they wanted to achieve. That definitely brings some challenges,” Oregon coach Dan Lanning said of Browne.

Although Purdue has a history of defeating top-two opponents and most recently had success against Illinois, it won’t be enough to beat the Ducks, who have demonstrated their dominance and ability to bounce back throughout the season.

Lanning has repeatedly preached an “Oregon vs. Oregon” mentality. The Ducks prepare for every game with the same mindset and drive to make each game better than the last, and this week is no different.

“The key for us is that our process should not change. And again, we talk about it every week, regardless of who you’re playing. You know, for us it’s always about playing against Oregon and figuring out how we can improve and get better,” Lanning said. “I think our guys are certainly aware of other situations in college football. That’s what makes this sport so great and hard that you have to go out there every Saturday and every weekend and earn it. Friday this week, and that starts with your preparation throughout the week.”

The No. 2 Oregon Ducks face the Purdue Boilermakers on Friday at 5:00 p.m. PT on FOX.