Match day is just under 12 hours away. Sure, here on the East Coast (the most beautiful coast) kick-off is at 8:30pm, but that means I can sit downstairs and watch the game while my sweet four-year-old son sleeps. No guilt for me! So while I watch the game tomorrow, will I have a celebratory drink or a depressing, wow, two weeks in a row, drink? I asked the staff for their opinion.

Jumbo Heroes (2-0):

It’s weird to be so upset about the loss to Notre Dame. I mean, I knew all offseason that Purdue was going to lose. I had no expectations going into the game, but somehow Notre Dame’s loss to Northern Illinois gave me enough hope that Notre Dame was a paper tiger and Purdue could beat them. I was wrong about that hope, of course, but right about my prediction. So why am I so upset? Purdue is 1-1 right now, just like I predicted, and I thought they had a chance to beat Oregon State when I watched that game. So why am I picking Purdue now? After all, a loss is a loss and it doesn’t matter, right? Well, yes and no. In the record books, a loss is a loss is a loss. Hardly anyone will remember a team losing a single game when they look at their overall record for the season. I watched that game, though, and didn’t see anything that gave me confidence.

Oregon State is a team that will focus on running the football. Purdue couldn’t stop the run against Notre Dame, and it often seemed like Notre Dame didn’t even have to try. So what would give me hope that Purdue can stop Oregon State from running them over? I can’t think of anything. What would give me confidence that the Purdue offense, which managed just seven points against Notre Dame’s second and third lines, can score enough points to win? I can’t think of anything. What a depressing prospect.

I’m betting on Purdue until they show me something. Until they show me some fighting spirit.

Purdue-10

State of Oregon 28

Ryan (2-0):

This game is a reality check. We’ve seen what Purdue can do against FCS teams and top 25 teams. Oregon State is probably the best benchmark this season, and if Purdue makes a bad decision, it could be a losing team. It starts with the coaching staff preparing for Oregon State. Oregon State has a good offensive attack, and Purdue got hurt on the ground last week. I think it’s obvious where the focus needs to be.

All in all, I think it’s obvious that Purdue’s talent is close to Oregon State’s. Both teams have suffered big losses to in-state rivals, and both have weaknesses that can be exploited. A fairly even game seems to favor the home team in this case, so I think Purdue can get back on track somewhat even if they don’t win the game.

Purdue21

State of Oregon 28

Jed (2-0):

A trip out west doesn’t go well for the Boilers, as the pressure on Ryan Walters is increased by a very mediocre performance against a beatable Oregon State team. Walters gives himself little to no wiggle room and needs to get to 5-4 in the conference slate to get into a bowl game, which is highly unlikely.

Purdue24

Oregon State 34

Draw (1-1):

I honestly have no idea what to expect from either team. I don’t think Purdue is as bad as they looked against Notre Dame, but I have no evidence to support that theory.

At the same time, Oregon State was suffering a loss to Oregon in the Civil War. Their defense couldn’t keep up with Oregon’s speed, but Purdue isn’t Oregon.

I’m going to go back to my factory defaults as Homer and go against my better judgment and take the Boilermakers.

Purdue is stepping up its defense, the offensive line isn’t bad, and Hudson Card is having a strong day both on the ground and in the air.

Purdue24

Oregon St. 17

Kyler (2-0):

Last week, everyone saw how many weaknesses Purdue has. It was clear that the offensive line and defensive line were real problems. The biggest problem is that Oregon State has two running backs that are as good or better than ND’s Jerymiah Love.

Purdue has to keep up on offense here and I’m not sure they can do that.

Purdue-17

State of Oregon 27

Garrett (1-1):

I’m not superstitious (yes, I am), but my prediction last week was so wrong that I’m going to do the opposite.

I don’t think Oregon State is bad this young season. In fact, I think they’re about on par with us. Plus, like Purdue, they’re coming off a tough loss to an in-state rival. However, traveling that far west is never easy, and they have some diehard fans in Corvallis.

It all comes down to whether the Boilers offensive line can rebound from their horrific performance last week. I think it remains close, but it all depends on the OL and whether maybe, just maybe, they can produce more than 200 yards on offense. If we see a similar performance in the trenches to last week, I see Oregon State winning by around 23-17. If the Boilermakers offensive line can take a step forward, I’m tipping the Train Enjoyers by 31-23. I know that’s a weird two-pronged prediction, but like I said, the season can sometimes be too young to know anything definitively.

Editor’s Note: Two predictions? How cowardly, Garrett gets no credit whether he wins or loses unless he gets the outcome exactly right. This will be reflected in all of his further predictions this season.