Purdue Boilermakers @ Northwestern Wildcats | Week 12 Game Preview

When: Saturday, November 20, 2021 at 12:00pm E.T.

Where: Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois.

How: BTN.

Spread: Boilermakers -11.5.

Total: 48.5

Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook

The 6-4 Purdue Boilermakers head to Wrigley field to take on the 3-7 Northwestern Wildcats in a Big 10 matchup.

Boilermakers Spotlight

Purdue is coming off a tough 59-31 loss to the 4th ranked Ohio State Buckeyes. Offensively, the Boilermakers are led by  quarterback Aidan O’Connell who has completed 72.4 percent of his passes for 2,477 yards with 16 touchdowns and eight picks this season. On defense, Purdue has given up 22.5 points per game ranking 41st in the country. The Boilermakers have also allowed 359.2 yards of total offense, putting them 49th in the FBS even though the rush defense has been vulnerable against the run giving up 156.3 rushing yards per game, ranking 75th in the nation.

Wildcats Spotlight

Northwestern dropped its fourth consecutive game last weekend, losing on the road 35-7 to the 18th ranked Wisconsin Badgers. Offensively, the Wildcats are a mess and are playing the 4th string quarterback. On defense, Northwestern has allowed 26.9 points per game, including 422.2 yards of total offense per contest, ranking them 95th in the nation. The Wildcats particularly struggle  against the run, giving up 228.9 rushing yards per game, 125th in the FBS.

Final Say

Purdue is a scoring machine and will put up points in this game. The Boilermakers defense is not great, but the Wildcats lack the quarterback and offensive firepower to keep up, and defensive fortitude to keep it close.

Pick: Boilermakers - 11.5