Ohio State Faces Purdue in Key Big Ten Matchup

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The Ohio State Buckeyes are gearing up for a crucial Big Ten showdown against the Purdue Boilermakers on Saturday, November 8, at 1 p.m. ET at Ross-Ade Stadium. The Buckeyes, currently ranked No. 1 in the nation, enter the game with an impressive 8-0 record and a perfect 5-0 in conference play, while Purdue struggles with a 2-7 overall record and a winless 0-6 mark in the Big Ten.

Despite their struggles this season, Purdue has historically given Ohio State trouble at home, boasting a 5-4 record against the Buckeyes since 2000 in West Lafayette. The Buckeyes hope to avoid another upset after Purdue handed them a significant defeat back in 2018.

The Buckeyes come into the game with momentum, having won their last seven games by no less than 18 points. Head coach Ryan Day expressed confidence, indicating a desire to play depth, suggesting backups may only get their chance if Ohio State can pull away early.

Ohio State will be looking to build on its recent performance, particularly in the running game, where they gained 164 rushing yards against Penn State. With Purdue allowing the second-most rushing yards in the Big Ten at 160.1 per game, the Buckeyes aim to exploit this weakness.

Day also provided updates on potential injuries, revealing expectations that two of three key players could practice later in the week. This injury situation raises questions about the Buckeyes’ interior offensive line, which has been a concern among fans.

Purdue’s defense, while struggling this season, remains a formidable challenger, ranking 30th nationally in sacks. Ohio State’s left tackle, Austin Siereveld, will be crucial in facing off against Purdue’s top defender, CJ Nunnally IV, who leads the Boilermakers in sacks.

Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin, now a Heisman frontrunner, is expected to have plenty of opportunities against Purdue’s defense, which ranks 128th in the nation for pass defense. The Buckeyes aim to keep their offensive momentum going while setting a strong defensive tone to stifle Purdue’s quarterback Ryan Browne.

As kickoff approaches, all eyes will be on the Buckeyes to maintain their dominance and keep their perfect season alive against the Boilermakers.