We’re about 24 hours away from kickoff for Purdue’s fourth game of the season. Purdue is 1-2 after an embarrassing loss to Notre Dame and a (slightly) less embarrassing loss to Oregon State. Purdue hasn’t been able to stop the run in this game and Nebraska has the ability to run the ball. It seems like a recipe for disaster. What does the staff think?

Ledman (3-0):

I said it on the latest Boiler Alert podcast that I don’t think I can pick Purdue again unless something drastically changes. I saw SOME progress in the game against Oregon State, but Purdue still couldn’t stop the series. Running outside seems like the easiest and most effective way to run up the score against this Purdue defense. The Purdue offense, minus the great play from Devin Mockobee and one catch from Max Klare, didn’t show much. The wide receiver corps has been decimated by injuries and this was a unit that was already in question. While I think Nebraska has improved a lot, this decision is more about what I saw, or rather, didn’t see when I watched Purdue. I think if Purdue struggles offensively again, Graham Harrell should be out on Sunday.

Purdue 10

Nebraska 35

Drew (1-2):

I reached the crossroads at game 4.

Should I continue to pick Purdue and face the consequences if the Boilermaker defense provides a convoy to escort the opposing RB into the end zone?

Should I do the reasonable thing and pick against Purdue because it seems like the Boilermakers haven’t mastered the basics of tackle football yet?

I’m not a smart man, but I am fiercely loyal and have a penchant for chasing bad money. Purdue is going to win one of these games, and I want the satisfaction of calling it out when it happens.

Purdue’s run game is doing enough and the defense is finally facing a team contractually obligated to throw the ball. Look for the first turnover of the season (by the opponent, of course) and a few sacks.

Purdue 24

Nebraska 21

Ryan (3-0):

If it’s not clear that my confidence in Purdue football is waning, look no further than predictions. I said Purdue would lose to Notre Dame by 4. Oops. Then I said they would lose to Oregon State by 7. Better take, but still not great. Now I have a double-digit home loss to the Huskers. Boy, I hope Ryan Walters and co can prove me wrong, but right now things seem to be in a bad state and it’s going to take a huge effort to dig out of this hole.

Purdue 20

Nebraska 31

Jed (3-0):

This Purdue team seems to lack confidence in itself and the first big test on Saturday will come when something goes wrong for the first time. How does this team respond? That will be the determining factor in how this and other games go this season. So far, this Purdue team simply hasn’t responded well. The addition of Nyland Green and hopefully getting Jamal Edrine and CJ Madden back will help, but I don’t think that’s enough to put Purdue above a top 25 team in Nebraska.

After this performance, we’ll probably all be on Harrell-watch, because the calls for his release will become very, very loud.

Purdue 13

Nebraska 32

Garrett (1-1*)

Editor’s note: Garrett was a coward and gave up two points against Oregon State, so I decided not to give him credit regardless of the outcome.

I hate to say it:

I don’t trust we can stop much of anything at this point, especially with a promising young QB at the helm of a resurgent Nebraska team that is coming off a heartbreaking loss after losing for the first time in what an eternity seems to be in the rankings.

The defense must go a step further. Safeties should look like the head coach is a former safety. Don’t try to tackle with your arms alone.

Unfortunately, I don’t see that changing within a week of the loss far out west.

I’m finally giving in to the pessimistic devil on my shoulder and saying we’re going to be blown away again unless Graham Harrell can figure out what the hell he’s doing.

I know it’s a home game, but I don’t think that matters much anymore unless the defense is playing B football and the offense finally finds its footing. Final prediction? Huskers over boilers.

Purdue 17

Nebraska 37

Kyle (2-1)

I just don’t have a lot of confidence in what Purdue is doing on the field, especially after the last two weeks of destruction against Notre Dame and Oregon State. The inability to stop the Boilermakers’ run is a real problem, they rank 18th in the Big Ten in Rush Defense and are 100 yards per game worse than the second-worst rush defense team, USC.

On offense, Purdue found some traction on the ground as Devin Mockobee and Reggie Love III combined for over 200 yards rushing on the night.

Nebraska has a very talented front seven and Purdue may have to rely on the ground game during the rain and wind forecast to attack West Lafayette tomorrow. The Nebraska run game is also better than average, with Dowdell 6-2, 230 pounds, paving the way.

Nebraska 31

Purdue 17