Sports
What to know, and a prediction, for Purdue football vs Notre Dame
WEST LAFAYETTE − The Shillelagh Trophy is up for grabs when Notre Dame visits Purdue football.
For the Boilermakers, it’s their last chance before an eight-game slate of Big Ten matchups to get things operating.
Advertisement
However, the third-ranked Irish might be the wrong opponent for a “get right” game.
Notre Dame has won the last 10 meetings and scored a combined 122 points against Purdue the last two seasons.
Here’s what to know ahead of the Boilermakers’ final non-conference game:
Scouting Purdue football‘s opponent, Notre Dame
The Irish are led by second-year starting quarterback and Heisman Trophy candidate CJ Carr, who has yet to turn the ball over through three games.
Carr and the Irish offense are averaging 40 points per game, with a stout defense to match that has allowed just 23 total points in wins over Wisconsin, Rice and Michigan State. Running the ball might be a challenge for Purdue, which struggled in that area a week ago. Notre Dame is giving up just 1.9 yards per carry.
Advertisement
Notre Dame stat leaders: Passing − CJ Carr (53-73, 726 yards, 6 TD). Rushing − Nolan James Jr. (39 car., 169 yards, 3 TD), Aneyas Williams (38 car., 146 yards, 3 TD). Receiving − Micah Gilbert (13 rec., 251 yards, 1 TD); Jordan Faison (13 rec., 173 yards, 2 TD). Tackles − Drayk Bowen (19), Jordan Anthony (14). Tackles for loss − Bryce Young (3.5), Boubacar Traore (3). Sacks − Traore (2). Interceptions − DJ McKinney (1), Adon Shuler (1), Luke Talich (1). Kicking − Spencer Porath (5-6 FG, long of 52, 15-15 PAT).
More: Purdue football vs Notre Dame, streaming info, radio broadcast
Purdue football players to watch
Despite an abysmal defensive performance at Rose Bowl Stadium last week in its 52-38 loss to UCLA, defensive end Breeon Ishmail shined. Will that translate to more reps against the Irish? Tight end George Burhenn caught his first touchdown pass last week since the 2023 season finale. Burhenn suffered a season-ending injury at Notre Dame last season. Offensive coordinator Josh Henson said on Monday when asked if there’s a desire to get the tight ends more involved in the passing game with one word, “Yes.”
Advertisement
More: Purdue football found a ‘steal’ in Jeremy Lewis after Iowa State snub
Purdue stat leaders: Passing − Ryan Browne (74-101, 1,024 yards, 7 TD, 1 INT). Rushing − Fame Ijeboi (55 car., 248 yards, 6 TD). Receiving − Asaad Waseem (20 rec., 321 yards, 1 TD); Xavier Townsend (19 rec., 267 yards, 2 TD). Tackles − John Slaughter (21), Charles Correa (20), Don Saunders (20). Tackles for loss − Jeremy Lewis (2.5). Sacks − Lewis (1.5). Kicking − Jacobo Echeverria Lozano (7-8 FG, long of 39, 13-13 PAT).
What uniform combination will Purdue wear vs. Notre Dame?
Purdue will go all black uniforms against Notre Dame, donning a black helmet with black jerseys and pants.
Advertisement
Purdue football honorary captain
Raheem Mostert will return to West Lafayette and serve as honorary captain for the Boilermakers.
Mostert played for Purdue from 2011-15. He went on to play 11 seasons in the NFL for the Dolphins, Ravens, Browns, Bears, 49ers and Raiders. He led the NFL is rushing touchdowns in 2023 with Miami. His 220 rushing yards in a Jan. 19, 2020 win over the Packers is an NFC Championship game record.
Purdue football injury report
Head coach Barry Odom said after last Saturday’s loss at UCLA that he was hopeful left tackle Joey Tanona would return to practice this week. Tanona has been out since mid camp with an ankle injury. Defensive end Elo Modozie missed last week’s game at UCLA, and defensive back Mister Clark has missed each of the last two games.
Advertisement
Purdue football vs. Notre Dame prediction
The Boilermakers are averaging 39 points per game. This game will be the best indicator yet whether that is a legit statistical number that means the offense is much-improved. Regardless, the defense showed little resistance to assist last week’s offensive showing and now faces a more talented quarterback for a team with national championship aspirations.
Prediction: Notre Dame 38, Purdue 14.
Sam King covers sports for the Journal & Courier. Email him at sking@jconline.com and follow him on X and Instagram @samueltking.
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: What to know, and a prediction, for Purdue football vs Notre Dame
You must be logged in to post a comment Login