As the Ohio State Buckeyes prepare for their last road game of the 2025 regular season, they will face the Purdue Boilermakers on November 8 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Indiana. The Buckeyes enter this matchup heavily favored, with Purdue struggling at a disappointing record of 2-7 this season. However, history shows that Purdue has managed to challenge Ohio State effectively at home, boasting a 5-4 record against them at Ross-Ade Stadium since 2000.
Key Questions for Ohio State vs. Purdue
Despite their strong performance this season, the Buckeyes have several questions to address before facing the Boilermakers. Here are the main areas of concern:
- Will Ohio State’s Running Game Improve? The Buckeyes have made strides in their rushing attack, recently recording 164 rushing yards against Penn State. This improvement is vital as they look to exploit Purdue’s weak defense, which ranks 92nd nationally in yards allowed per carry.
- How Healthy is the Offensive Line? Injuries among key guards like Luke Montgomery and Tegra Tshabola have raised concerns. Coach Ryan Day has indicated that two of the three injured players are expected to practice, but their status will be closely monitored.
- Will the Backups Get Playing Time? Ohio State has dominated its opponents this season, allowing for potential substitutions. If the Buckeyes can establish a strong lead, backups may receive extended minutes in what has been a limited opportunity so far this year.
Players to Watch
Ohio State features several standout players who could significantly impact the game:
- Jeremiah Smith: As a leading candidate for the Heisman Trophy, Smith will look to showcase his skills against a Purdue defense that allows 8.8 yards per pass attempt. His performance will be closely scrutinized in the coming weeks.
- Arvell Reese: A breakout star this season, Reese is a frontrunner for the Butkus and Bednarik Awards. His performance will be pivotal in a game where the Boilermakers have struggled defensively.
- Austin Siereveld: The Ohio State left tackle will face a tough matchup against a formidable Purdue defense that has recorded 21 sacks this season. His ability to protect the quarterback will be crucial.
Bold Predictions for the Game
With expectations high, several predictions have emerged regarding the outcome of this matchup:
- Ohio State’s Defense Scores: Experts predict that the Buckeyes’ defense may find the end zone, possibly via a scoop-and-score or pick-six, adding to their impressive season.
- Max Klare Finds the End Zone: The tight end is projected to catch a touchdown pass against Purdue’s struggling defense, potentially affirming his connection to the team and building momentum for future games.
- Purdue Struggles to Score: Ohio State’s defense is among the best in college football, and predictions indicate that Purdue may not score a touchdown. The Buckeyes are anticipated to dominate this contest defensively.
The Buckeyes head into this game with the momentum of a strong winning streak, eager to secure their position before the final clash of the regular season against Michigan. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as Ohio State aims for another decisive victory against Purdue.
