Purdue was served well by the late great Joe Tiller. They went to ten bowl games in 11 seasons. Which included a Rose Bowl. Drew Brees added his name to school lore. And added to its reputation as a quarterback factory. But after Tiller retired lean times returned. And Purdue suffered greatly with the college football betting odds. Only two bowls in eight years demoralized the program. Until Jeff Brohm arrived last year. Brohm confirmed his reputation as an offensive mastermind. He ignited the passing attack. And Purdue made and won a bowl game.
Northwestern Wildcats vs. Purdue Boilermakers
Date and Time: Thursday, August 30, 2018. 8 p.m. ET
Location: Ross Ade Stadium, West Lafayette, Indiana
College Football Betting Online Odds:
Northwestern +3 (-110)
Purdue -3 (-110)
Northwestern vs. Purdue TV Coverage: ESPN
Purdue Boilermakers
For the first time in years Purdue has positive expectations. They went a surprising 7-6 last year. Additionally, they also reclaimed their team identity. Quarterback David Blough missed most of the season. Yet that was not a detriment with the college football betting odds. Elijah Sindelar picked up the slack. Both signal callers return. And few passing game minds are better than Brohm’s. Purdue was 3-9 in 2016. Brohm made them a bowl team with a backup quarterback. Excitement has returned to Ross Ade Stadium. Not to mention a lot more fans.
Northwestern Wildcats
Northwestern is another team that has increased expectations. Head coach Pat Fitzgerald is an alum. He played on the famed 1995 Rose Bowl team. And has prove to be the perfect fit at his alma mater. Northwestern is coming off its third straight bowl season. And only its third 10-win season. Fitzgerald is the coach that led NU to each of those double digit win years. Fitz has done so three times.
Clayton Thorson
Last year’s 10-3 season concluded with a Music City Bowl win. But also ended without quarterback Clayton Thorson. He tore his ACL in the bowl game. And there are concerns that he will not be at 100 percent when the season kicks off. There were key losses in the off season. Power hitting safety Godwin Igwebuike is gone. Justin Jackson rushed for 1311 yards and has departed as well. However, Fitzgerald has stepped it up in recruiting. A spectacular state of the art facility is completed. It sits on the shores of Lake Michigan. Prospects are impressed.
Team Odds to Consider
Northwestern was a top sports betting value last year. They paid out in nine of 13 games. Purdue was every bit as profitable. The Boilers were 9-4 against the line as well. Northwestern covered against Purdue last season. The Wildcats scored a 23-13 home win. Northwestern has paid in five of their last seven meetings with Purdue. Just three of the last 13 games in this series went over the total. Purdue has covered four of their last six home games. But Northwestern has covered 10 of their last 12 on the road.
Matchup to Watch
This is a matchup of two well coached teams. Purdue in particular has college football betting odds momentum. Blough should have a breakout season. And Brohm has added depth to the roster. A big home crowd is expected.
College Football Betting Odds Picks
Purdue should open the season in grand style.
College Football Betting Online Pick: Purdue Boilermakers
College Football Betting Online Score Prediction: Purdue 31, Northwestern 24
Catch highlights of Purdue’s Foster Farms Bowl win over Arizona!