EAST LANSING, Mich. − The Purdue football team’s season has taken a disappointing turn, with fans expressing frustration over their current one-win record, which includes a streak of nine consecutive losses.
As the Boilermakers prepare for their final two games, they remain steadfast in their goal—defeating Michigan State this Friday night at Spartan Stadium.
In contrast, Michigan State, which has faced its own challenges this season, is coming under new leadership with Jonathan Smith, following Mel Tucker’s dismissal due to allegations of sexual harassment. Currently, the Spartans hold a 4-6 record and are aiming for victories against Purdue and Rutgers to secure bowl eligibility after experiencing three consecutive losses.
Despite being one of the lowest-scoring teams in the conference, averaging just 19.4 points per game, Michigan State holds a slight edge over Purdue in scoring. Both teams struggle defensively, with the Spartans yielding more points than they score but still outperforming Purdue in that aspect. Notably, Spartans quarterback Aidan Chiles leads the Big Ten with 11 interceptions this season.
On a positive note for Michigan State, the kicking game has been a strong point, with Jonathan Kim leading the Big Ten with 18 successful field goals, having missed only twice throughout the season.
Turning to the Boilermakers, they’ve experienced a diverse scoring roster with ten different players registering offensive touchdowns this season, matching last year’s tally, albeit with fewer overall touchdowns. Key players from last season, including Hudson Card and Drew Biber, have yet to score this season, while Devin Mockobee stands out as the team’s leader with four touchdowns.
The team also saw their second field goal scorer this season, Ben Freehill, contributing to their score against Penn State after replacing Spencer Porath, indicating a competitive atmosphere within the kicking position as Coach Ryan Walters maintains an open competition.
Looking ahead, predictions lean towards Michigan State winning the matchup with a score of 31-17. The Spartans, despite their struggles, are favored to win by 13.5 points, especially playing at home in this matchup.
This season may be filled with challenges for the Boilermakers, but they have the chance to build momentum with a strong finish. Fans can remain hopeful as their team looks to overcome the odds in the final stretch of the season.
In summary, both teams are dealing with their respective hurdles this season. However, the Boilermakers have an opportunity to rally and find a measure of success in their last games, pointing to the resilience often found in sports.