First Look: Notre Dame
Purdue-Notre Dame 2004--The Boilermakers most recent win in South Bend (entire game)
Here's an early look at Purdue's third opponent in 2021, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish:
Time: Saturday, 2:30 p.m. ET
Location: Notre Dame Stadium, South Bend Indiana
Surface: Field Turf
2021 Schedule/2020 records: Notre Dame 2-0)/(10-2, 9-1 (competed in ACC) in 2020); Purdue (2-0) /(2-4, 2-4)
Series notes: Purdue and Notre Dame haven't met for seven years, after facing one another in football every season for 69 years (1946-2014). The Irish lead the series 58-26-2 and are 30-11 in games played in South Bend. From 1950-68, the Boilermakers won seven of 10 games played under the Golden Dome. But since then, Notre Dame has dominated the games in South Bend, winning 19 of 21. The last game between the two schools in South Bend was in 2012, when the No. 22 Irish connected on a last-minute field goal to win 20-17. The Boilermakers last two victories at ND were in 1974 and 2004.
In total, Purdue's 26 wins against Notre Dame are third most behind USC (37) and Michigan State (28).
TV: NBC
Early line: Notre Dame -8
Weather: Warm, 86 and partly sunny
Some early storylines:
Which team has the momentum?
The answer is likely Purdue in this one. But the question is will it be enough to overcome the two-touchdown favorite Irish?
Notre Dame hasn't played up to its No. 8 ranking in its first two weeks, having to escape with close victories at Florida State in OT and in its home opener against Toledo. Purdue has taken care of business in Weeks 1 and 2, but Saturday's 49-0 win over UConn is hard to evaluate due to the state of the Huskies' program.
Notre Dame's physicality, especially in the offensive line, has been called into question. Not only did it struggle to protect Jack Coan, but the running game struggled early though talented back Kyren Williams did have a 43-touchdown scamper. In the end, Notre Dame gained 138 rushing yards against the Rockets. Williams had six 100-plus rushing games in 2020 but has managed just 130 yards in 2021.
If Zander Horvath is not available this week, which appears likely, the Boilermakers will have to manufacture their own power game behind an offensive line that has yet to face a defensive front the caliber of Notre Dame's.
How much of Notre Dame's two quarterbacks will Purdue face?
Former Wisconsin quarterback Jack Coan has put up impressive numbers in the first two weeks, completing nearly 70 percent of his passes for 615 yards, six TDs and two picks. Yet, the Boilermakers will likely face two quarterbacks with different strengths.
With the Notre Dame running game struggling against Toledo and the Irish clinging to a 7-6 lead, coach Brian Kelly brought in talented freshman Tyler Buchner for a spark. Buchner is more mobile than Coan and showed it against the Rockets, gaining 68 yards in seven carries. Coan was sacked six times by the Rockets. Buchner also completed all three of his passes for 78 yards and a score.
Still, when the chips were down and the Irish needed a last minute rally to subdue Toledo, it was Coan who got the call and got it done for the Irish.
The Atmosphere
The Boilermakers will have to adjust to playing in front of five times as many fans as they did Saturday at UConn. Quarterback Jack Plummer started in two hostile environments (Penn State and Iowa) in 2019, but his ability to remain calm will be tested this week.
Notre Dame is a tough place to play for any opponent. The Boilermakers lack of silly penalties or turnovers in the first two weeks will likely have to continue for Purdue to have a chance at the upset.
Brohm on Notre Dame
"I respect everything about Notre Dame. It is a special place to play. We cherish (the opportunity) to get the game back going (on Purdue's schedule). Playing against Notre Dame is a measuring stick type of game.
"We look forward to playing a playoff caliber team. They have a veteran team, a seasoned quarterback (Jack Coan), and all-pro (level) tight end (sophomore Michael Mayer).
"I suspect that they think it is a good thing that they have been tested in their first two weeks of the season. Good teams win those types of games and Notre Dame was able to do just that (against Florida State and Toledo)."
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