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Ohio State Buckeyes vs Purdue Boilermakers Game Preview
The Ohio State Buckeyes head to West Lafayette as the newly crowned No. 1 team in the College Football Playoff rankings, putting their perfect record on the line against the Purdue Boilermakers.
Ohio State (8–0, 5–0 Big Ten) earned the top ranking thanks to a dominant defense and a Heisman-level performance from quarterback Julian Sayin. The Buckeyes lead the nation in scoring defense and are among the top 10 in passing efficiency, showing a complete balance that few teams can match.
Purdue (2–7, 0–6) continues its rebuild under first-year coach Barry Odom. The Boilermakers have competed hard but struggled to close games, losing seven straight and 15 consecutive Big Ten contests. Still, Odom praised his players’ effort after a narrow 21–16 loss at Michigan, where Purdue’s defense kept the Wolverines off balance.
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Odds and Key Information
Ohio State enters as a 29.5-point favorite with the total at 48.5 points. The Buckeyes have covered five straight as a favorite, while Purdue continues to find small wins through turnovers and field position.
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Spread | Ohio State –29.5 / Purdue +29.5 |
| Moneyline | Ohio State –9000 / Purdue +2350 |
| Total (O/U) | 48.5 points |
| Venue | Ross-Ade Stadium, West Lafayette, IN |
| Time | Saturday, Nov. 8, 1:00 PM ET |
| Broadcast | BTN |
Ohio State is also 3–0 on the road this season, all double-digit victories, while Purdue is 2–3 at home with both wins coming against non-conference opponents.
Ohio State Outlook
The Ohio State Buckeyes are coming off a 38–14 win against Penn State, further strengthening their playoff resume. Julian Sayin continues to lead the nation in completion percentage (80.7%) and passer rating (197.1). His efficiency has turned the Buckeyes’ passing game into a model of precision, aided by elite receivers Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate.
Smith has 725 yards and nine touchdowns this season, while Tate is coming off a breakout game with 124 yards and a score. The offensive balance extends beyond air attack — the running game complements Sayin’s arm with steady production, keeping defenses honest.
Defensively, Ohio State remains unmatched. The Buckeyes allow just 6.9 points per game, ranking first in the country. Their front seven has recorded 25 sacks and six interceptions, suffocating opponents with speed and discipline.
Head coach Ryan Day insists rankings mean nothing if his team doesn’t continue to execute, a message that’s kept Ohio State sharp through eight weeks.
Injury concerns remain minimal for the Buckeyes, with depth across every position. The latest report includes several players listed as questionable, though no major starters are expected to miss action. This depth is part of what makes Ohio State such a dominant road favorite.
Purdue Outlook
The Purdue Boilermakers showed grit in their recent 21–16 loss at Michigan, staying competitive despite missing star running back Devin Mockobee, who underwent season-ending ankle surgery. Quarterback Ryan Browne managed the game efficiently, avoiding turnovers and sustaining long drives against an elite defense.
Purdue’s offense ranks 44th nationally in passing yards (2,107) and 22nd in first downs gained, emphasizing consistency in moving the ball. Their defense, while undersized, makes up for it with opportunism — ranking top 10 nationally in both interceptions and fumbles recovered.
However, scoring remains an issue. The Boilermakers average just 19.8 points per game in Big Ten play, and without Mockobee, the red-zone efficiency has dropped significantly. To have a chance, they’ll need to pressure Sayin early and capitalize on turnovers — their best path to covering such a large spread.
Injury-wise, Purdue remains thin at receiver and defensive line. Wideouts Chauncey Magwood and De’Nylon Morrissette are questionable, and the absence of TJ Lindsey up front will make it difficult to contain Ohio State’s running attack.
Key Matchup Breakdown
Turnovers could define this game. Ohio State’s defense thrives on field control, while Purdue’s only strength in conference play has been takeaways. The Buckeyes’ secondary, anchored by Malik Hartford and Denzel Burke, faces a Boilermaker offense that likes to stretch the field.
If Purdue’s offensive line struggles to handle pressure, this could turn into another double-digit halftime lead for the Buckeyes. On the flip side, Ohio State’s precision offense against Purdue’s zone coverage looks like a mismatch that could decide the pace early.
Another factor is tempo. Purdue’s slow, possession-heavy approach contrasts with Ohio State’s explosive drives. If the Boilermakers can limit possessions and keep the score manageable through three quarters, they can potentially cover late.
Betting Trends
Ohio State has dominated this series and betting markets alike:
- 28–2 straight-up as a favorite over their last 30 games.
- 5–0 ATS as a favorite this season.
- 5–0 ATS following a straight-up win in 2025.
For Purdue, small victories come in situational trends:
- 18–11 on overs in games with totals of 50 or more.
- 2–1 ATS as an underdog this year.
- 16–11 on overs following a loss in their last 27.
These numbers highlight the Boilermakers’ tendency to stay inside inflated lines and the Buckeyes’ knack for dominance against lesser foes.
Learn how to interpret these ATS shifts through the NFL expert betting guide — its principles apply to late-season college markets.
Predictions
The Ohio State Buckeyes should once again impose their will defensively while executing efficiently on offense. The Purdue Boilermakers will fight early but lack the personnel to threaten deep into the game.
Projected score: Ohio State 42, Purdue 10
Spread pick: Ohio State –29.5
Total lean: Under 48.5
The Buckeyes’ defense remains too disciplined to let Purdue’s air attack flourish. Expect a fast start from Julian Sayin and a steady clock control game late.
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