Purdue football: Can Ryan Walters continue Boilermakers’ winning ways?

Purdue Boilermakers head coach Ryan Walters watches during Purdue football practice, Wednesday, August 2, 2023, at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue Boilermakers head coach Ryan Walters watches during Purdue football practice, Wednesday, August 2, 2023, at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind.
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Purdue Football Preview
July 27, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Purdue Boilermakers head coach Ryan Walters speaks to the media during the Big Ten football media day at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports

How many games will Purdue football win this fall?

Sept. 2 vs. Fresno State (W): Purdue should have no issue beating a Fresno team without Jake Haener.

Sept. 9 at Virginia Tech (W): Head coach Brent Pry has talked about the long-term rebuild that is Virginia Tech. Purdue with the road win.

Sept. 16 vs. Syracuse (W): The Orange won late in the Dome. Purdue gets the win back at home in Ross-Ade.

Sept. 23 vs. Wisconsin (L): Purdue’s rush defense again Braelon Allen is not to be trusted.

Sept. 30 vs. Illinois (L): Purdue has given the Illini fits in the annual Cannon game. The Illini are looking to contend in the west. This is one Illinois has to have.

Oct. 7 at Iowa (L): The result of this game will be determined whether or not the game is played during the day or at night. Purdue can beat Iowa at Kinnick; it’s much tougher at night.

Oct. 14 vs. Ohio State (L): The Buckeyes are National Title contenders. Purdue drops this one at home.

Oct. 28: at Nebraska (W): This win is confident that Hudson Card will likely stay healthy than Jeff Sims.

Nov. 4 at Michigan (L): Purdue doesn’t get blown out, but the Wolverines get the win.

Nov. 11 vs. Minnesota (W): The Gophers replace a lot on their offensive line and start a new quarterback. Purdue wins this one at home.

Nov. 18 at Northwestern (W): The Wildcats will be a mess all year. The quit factor has to be applied in this game.

Nov. 25 vs. Indiana (W): If Tom Allen makes it all season, this could be his last game as Indiana’s head coach. Purdue keeps the Old Oaken Bucket.

Prediction: 7-5, 3-5 Big Ten

The Boilermakers make another bowl game with a six-game floor in 2023. There are some 50-50 games on the schedule. The most significant question mark is Hudson Card’s ability to stay healthy. If he gets hurt, the season could go south fast.