Purdue Football: Can the Boilermakers rebound this season?

How many games can the Boilermakers win this season?

Purdue’s crossover, Ohio State, Michigan State, and Indiana, do the Boilermakers no favors. Neither do their non-conference games. Despite a tough schedule, Purdue has six wins on this schedule if they stay healthy and the defense improves.

• September 4, 2021 (Saturday) 7 PM Home Oregon State (L): This is a toss-up. The Beavers are going to be better and look to make a bowl game, same as Purdue. This is the defense’s first test. Oregon State brings a balanced attack to West Lafayette. Beavers in a close one.
• September 11, 2021 (Saturday) 3 PM Away UConn (W): This is Purdue’s only sure win this season. Randy Edsall is on the hot season at UConn, and Purdue should have no problem with an inferior opponent.
• September 18, 2021 (Saturday) 2:30 PM Away Notre Dame (L): While Purdue is looking to get to a bowl, the Irish look to get back to the College Football Playoff. Irish win big here.
• September 25, 2021 (Saturday) Home Illinois (W): The Illini will succeed running the football against Purdue; they have the last two seasons. However, they have questions at wide receiver. Purdue wins a close one because Illinois cannot throw the football.
• October 2, 2021 (Saturday) Noon Home Minnesota (L): This is an interesting game. No Tyler Johnson, no Rashod Bateman for Minnesota this season. The Gophers want to run the football. If Chris Autman-Bell steps up, Minnesota wins; if not, Purdue could pull this one out.
• October 16, 2021 (Saturday) 3:30 PM Away Iowa (L): Iowa is tough to beat at home, but Purdue has a lot of offense, and the Hawkeyes are unsettled at quarterback. Iowa wins a close game, but don’t be shocked if Purdue picks off the Hawkeyes in Iowa City.
• October 23, 2021 (Saturday) Home Wisconsin (L): This game will let Jeff Brohm know how far — or how close — the Boilermakers are to the top of the Big Ten West. Purdue keeps it close for a half, but Wisconsin pulls away.
• October 30, 2021 (Saturday) Away Nebraska (W):  The Cornhuskers are not very good. Their best player transferred, and the defense has shown little improvement. Purdue pulls away in the third quarter.
• November 6, 2021 (Saturday) Home Michigan State (W): Head coach Mel Tucker is still turning over the roster in East Lansing. The Spartans have some key transfers, including former Boilermaker TE/WR Malik Carr, but it is not enough. Purdue wins this one.
• November 13, 2021 (Saturday) Away Ohio State (L): Purdue’s primary objective is not to get blown out by Ohio State. That might not happen. Buckeyes win big.
• November 20, 2021 (Saturday) Away Northwestern (W): This is the upset special of the season. Though Ryan Hilinski is a solid quarterback, the Wildcats don’t have any perimeter playmakers. If Purdue is healthy at this point in the season, the offense could be a problem for Northwestern.
• November 27, 2021 (Saturday) Home Indiana Old Oaken Bucket Game (L): If Michael Penix, Jr. plays, IU wins. If not, IU likely still wins, but the game becomes a toss-up. The Hoosiers win and keep the Bucket.

Prediction 5-7, 4-5 Big Ten

Purdue’s opening game against the Oregon State Beavers could be the game that determines whether or not they make a bowl this season.  There are a couple of toss-up games, including the rivalry game against Indiana.

Michale Penix staying healthy could be the difference in that game. Minnesota is an interesting game since the Gophers do not have their two best receivers from the last two years.

Purdue football is an intriguing team. On the one hand, the Boilers have one of the best wide receivers in the conference with a potent offense — if they can stay healthy.

On the other, health has been a legitimate concern the last two seasons in West Lafayette. Staying healthy could be the difference between flying under the radar and winning three games.