National interest in the upcoming game between No. 2 Oregon and Purdue, who has only one win this season, is minimal. However, Duck fans should be cautious about underestimating the Boilermakers.
Despite their struggles, Purdue has a track record of surprising ranked teams, with seven victories over ranked opponents in the last six seasons, including notable wins against No. 2 Ohio State and No. 3 Michigan State.
The game is scheduled for Friday at 5 p.m. and will be broadcast on FOX. Currently, Oregon is favored by 28.5 points at BetMGM, with odds of -10,000 on the moneyline for the Ducks and +1,800 for Purdue. The total points for the game has been set at 60.5. ESPN Analytics gives Oregon a 95% chance of winning.
Some analysts warn that Oregon might not perform at their best after a highly emotional victory last week against Ohio State. The concern is that the Ducks could be caught off guard by Purdue, who may be improving despite their earlier struggles this season.
One prediction has Oregon winning by 28 points, but other commentators express hesitation about the large spread, considering the short week and the potential for a letdown after a significant win. They acknowledge Purdue’s recent performance and suggest that the game could be closer than expected.
Overall, while Oregon is the clear favorite, potential pitfalls for the Ducks have been noted, especially in the context of college football’s unpredictability.