It's time to head to the worst place in the nation...

Tomorrow Purdue heads to the land of VooDoo-Quazi-Catholocism to play the Manatee's extremely talented and under-achieving Irish. In spite of the injection of another genius in their coaching staff, the Irish defense still isn't stout...and in spite of having a talented QB (I hear this from ND fans), a blue-chip running back, a host of blue-chip o-linemen and some of the best receivers ever (ND fan again) in South Bend, their offense hasn't been formidible.

Purdue, on the other hand has given up a ton of yards and seems to be employing the bend, but only partially break defensive philosophy. At the same time, Painter has been unimpressive as the offense is a shadow of what was once called basketball on grass (about 7 years ago)...

It's a battle of two ehhhhhhh teams; both 2-1, both largely unimportant nationally...but that doesn't make me care less about this weekend's contest...Here are the predictions:

Tim says:
My prediction is that Notre Dame sucks. Also, Purdue will lose. What is it about that place? It's like kryptonite to the Boilermakers.

If ever there was a year (other than 2004) that Purdue should whip the South Bend Stereotypes, then this is the year. Sadly, I don't think it will happen. I think they have the talent to win, but again, the coaching will be miserable.

Notre Dame - 27
Purdue - 17

J says:

A couple weeks ago, I said that I'd trust our boys not to let me down again against Oregon. And I said if they let me down again, I might turn into Tim (negative). And then the Boilers straddled the fence. They played very well for a half and showed that they ARE capable of still doing what we have all felt they have the talent to do -- compete with good programs. Sure, they wound up losing, and it was definitely the coaching staff who was largely to blame... conservative nature instilling doubt in the players. I think we all agree there. And if that happens in South Bend this weekend, then we're doomed. However, here's me one kool-aid, convince-myself point for this week: Joe Tiller hates UND. And he loves beating them. If there's one team Joe WILL pull out the stops to beat, it's these guys. And to beat them in their house for only the second time in 35 years, making him quite a unique coach for the Boilers, would be ultra-special. Beating Fat Charlie and then hearing him make arrogant comments after the game (maybe he'll suggest giving the Heisman to Kory Sheets) will be predictably delicious.

I was asked about this game by a co-worker who makes regular picks every week. And I said my analysis is this: Purdue is without a doubt the better team, but we simply have a mental block about winning in South Bend. And if Drew Brees couldn't do it there, why can Curtis Painter? I don't know... but when I'm conflicted at times like this, I tend to go with the Boilers. Because unless it's a "Put it in Sharpie" game, I don't like to pick against the black and gold.

Purdue 32

UND 21

boilerdowd says:
I honestly would trade about any other victory, and maybe all other victories on the schedule each year for a sound ass-kicking of Notre Dame. That said, I can't make that deal (luckily for the Purdue athletic department). I don't like them, but that doesn't cloud my judgement so much in that I can't be logical about my pick.

I'm a history buff...was actually a history major (that's done me a lot of good), so I sometime over-compare the present day to the past. This game is no different.

While I think Purdue is a better team, I think Notre Dame will win. It will probably be a pretty narrow margin with some part of Purdue's team failing (i.e. special teams, the receiving corps, or the linebackers in coverage). Look for Purdue to lose a lead late.

This is another game that is noteworthy for Tiller's legacy- he can end his career .500 v. the Irish; and I'm pretty sure he'd like to do so- he doesn't particularly like UND and he really doesn't like the Manatee. But, I don't think it will happen. UND's passing game prevails.

UND 31
Purdue 28

what you said:
Over 95% of the BS readership thinks Purdue wins this game- This contrasts that 66.67% of the BS staff thinks Purdue loses. I guess that's why you play the game...

2008 "The Shirt"

To Your Call Once More We Rally;
Alma Mater Hear Our Praise.
Where The Wabash Spreads Its Valley;
Filled With Joy Our Voices Raise.
From The Skies In Swelling Echoes
Come The Cheers That Tell The Tale
Of Your Vict'ries And Your Heros,
Hail Purdue! We Sing All Hail!

Hail, Hail To Old Purdue!
All Hail To Our Old Gold And Black!
Hail, Hail To Old Purdue!
Our Friendship May She Never Lack.
Ever Grateful, Ever True,
Thus We Raise Our Song Anew;
Of The Days We've Spent With You,
All Hail Our Own Purdue!