This is a get-right sport for the Irish, who have narrowly escaped in two games that really had no business being as close as they were. Expect their leaky defense to make major strides against a Purdue team that is somewhat limited despite experience at numerous key positions. Purdue narrowly escaped against Oregon State in Week 1 before rolling through a glorified scrimmage against UConn last week. Look for the Boilermakers to get a wake-up call Saturday.

I think there's a realistic chance this game ends in a push, but the spread is up to 7.5 at most other books so I'll take a shot the Irish can win by at least 8. Purdue did lose its top running back, Zander Horvath, a third-team All-Big Ten selection in 2020, for 4-8 weeks due to an injury suffered last week against UConn. The Boilers have played an easy schedule so far vs. Oregon State and UConn, while the Irish have been pushed to the limit by Florida State and Toledo. The Irish have won their last seven games against the Boilermakers, keeping the Shillelagh Trophy on campus since the 2008 season.