Ohio State Football: Game-by-game predictions for 2018

Ohio State hits the road for the first time since their loss in Happy Valley. This time they find themselves facing off against an improved Purdue team.

Purdue head coach Jeff Brohm turned it around in West Lafayette in his first season, finishing 7-6 with a victory over Arizona in the Foster Farms bowl. Last year the Boilermakers were fun to watch on offense with both quarterbacks David Blough and Elijah Sindelar getting significant playing time and Brohm’s playbook with its uptempo pace. Purdue is not there quite yet, but another year or two and Brohm could have his team in Big Ten contention. Considering where this team was under Darrell Hazell for three and half years, consistently getting to bowls is a positive step.

If Ohio State is not careful, Purdue could surprise them and be this season’s Iowa. Not likely, but the Boilermakers like to keep teams guessing and get them out of position. The Buckeyes start slow in this one, but turn it up in the second half, using their overwhelming talent to full advantage. Purdue gets worn down and eventually caves, leading to a closer than expected Ohio State victory.

Final: Ohio State 31, Purdue 20 (7-1, 4-1 Big Ten)