After the worst loss in program history, Purdue hopes to stabilize in the Pacific Northwest. They travel to Oregon State to complete non-conference play.

The predictions of our GoldandBlack.com staff…

MIKE CARMIN, EMPLOYEE

General idea: Early test to see what the Boilermakers are made of against a team in their weight class. Granted, the long distance travel and other factors create more obstacles for Purdue, which must rise to the challenge and respond after last week’s demolition at the hands of Notre Dame. The Boilermakers must emulate the Irish in their approach and focus this week and deliver a bounce-back performance.

*The* key to the game: Will Purdue be physical and disciplined during the 4.5-hour flight?

Your choice to click (attack): Gus Hartwig and the offensive line. ND has been battering the Boilermakers, and this is going to be a pride game for the group up front. Establishing the run is a way to let go of the frustrations of last week.

Your choice to click (defense): Dillon Thieneman. He knows he didn’t play well against the Irish and will make up for it. Expect a big game from the sophomore.

Spiciest version: Purdue-Oregon State will have higher ratings than LIV Golf on The CW.

Predicted score: Purdue 26, Oregon State 22

TOM DIENHART, GOLDANDBLACK.COM

General idea: It’s only mid-September and Purdue is already at a crossroads. Seriously. There are plenty of opportunities with a win. A loss? It could derail the season before we’ve even raked a leaf.

*The* key to the game: Start fast. This team needs confidence after a demoralizing 66-7 loss. A fast start would be a nice boost to what could be a fragile psyche.

Your choice to click (attack): WR Jahmal Edrine. The Beavers have played a lot of soft coverage. Edrine will make them pay with a 10-catch day.

Your choice to click (defense): S Dillon Thieneman. No beating around the bush: No. 31 looked bad last week. He knows it. And Thieneman will make up for it this week with a big game.

Spiciest version: Yes, it’s only the third game of the season, but this is a game we have to win.

Predicted score: Purdue 31, Oregon State 30. The Boilermaker offense comes alive, scoring a late TD to steal a win. Take a bow, Hudson Map.

ALAN KARPICK, GOLDANDBLACK.COM

General idea: It’s showtime for Purdue.

*The* key to the game: Purdue’s Mental Frame. Will it be fight or flight for the Boilermakers? Expect a hostile crowd in Corvallis, and it will be a big test for the visitors to see if they’re up to the task.

Your choice to click (attack): Hudson Map. It has to, right? Purdue needs to regain its offensive mojo, and Card’s accuracy and decision-making are essential to that.

Your choice to click (defense): Dillon ThienemanAfter a very subpar performance from Purdue’s most decorated defender, we can expect a big comeback in Oregon.

Spiciest version: Purdue will battle hard in this game and has every chance to win it at midnight (ET).

Predicted score: Oregon State 24, Purdue 21

JORDAN JONES, EMPLOYEE

General idea: What is Purdue’s reality? Is it closer to the team that dominated an outmatched opponent, or is it closer to the team that was embarrassed by Notre Dame? We’ll find out in this one. If Purdue hopes to make 2024 better than 2023, it will likely have to fly out of Corvallis victorious.

*The* key to the game: If Purdue can’t hold its own in the trenches, then the team hasn’t shown that it can change the game at any position.

Your choice to click (attack): Max Clear. So far, he appears to be Purdue’s most dynamic target in the passing game. Purdue will likely have a tough time winning, and Klare will be a tough cover for the Beavers.

Your choice to click (defense): Jeffrey M’ba. He seems to have improved as he settles into his football career. Purdue will need him and the defensive line to disrupt Oregon State’s run-heavy attack.

Spiciest version: Twitter crashes around 8:15 p.m. Saturday night because fans don’t know how to watch The CW.

Predicted score: Purdue 28, Oregon State 27

BRIAN NEUBERT, SASQUATCH ANTAGONIST

General idea: You will never see a non-conference trip West never again like this. Good that you are rid of it.

*The* key to the game: Anger. Purdue just got historically defeated by Notre Dame; Oregon State got clowned by Oregon. Who gives a fuck anymore?

Your choice to click (attack): Max Clear is the real, Purdue’s best receiver and big threat.

Your choice to click (defense): Kydran JenkinsBut Purdue needs to play these games between the tackles.

Spiciest version: Thanks to the Pac-12’s demolition, I’ve discovered this useless stew of free-filler channels deep in the bowels of my televisions. This game is on one of those channels, nestled between reruns of “Mama’s Family” and a bunch of channels playing music that bears few characteristics of “music.”

Predicted score: Purdue 27, Oregon State 24

CHAT GTP, AI BOT EMPLOYEE

I’m just trying to make sure we’re more interesting…