The Ohio State Buckeyes will face the Purdue Boilermakers on Saturday in a Big Ten matchup with huge College Football Playoff implications. Ohio State enters at 8‑0 overall and 5‑0 in Big Ten play. But they have been tripped up by Purdue in the past and the Buckeyes will try to avoid an upset here. Before kickoff from West Lafayette, you can continue reading to find my Ohio State vs Purdue prediction.
Our Ohio State vs Purdue Pick
- Pick: Under 48.5
- Confidence: 4/5
Game Snapshot
- Matchup: Ohio State Buckeyes vs Purdue Boilermakers
- Date & Time: Saturday, November 8, 2025, 1:00 p.m. ET
- Venue: Ross‑Ade Stadium, West Lafayette, Indiana
- Broadcast: Big Ten Network
Key Storylines
Ohio State’s defense is simply in a class of its own this season. They surrender an average of just 6.9 points and 214.8 total yards per game, ranking first nationally in both categories. Purdue has struggled mightily on both sides of the ball. They rank 106th in scoring defense (30.4 points per game allowed) and 103rd in scoring offense (22.9 points per game). This game is a huge mismatch on paper, but football games are not played on paper.
Ohio State has executed efficiently on offense as well. Quarterback Julian Sayin has thrown for 2,188 yards, 23 touchdowns, and just three interceptions this season. Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate have 16 combined touchdowns so far this season. Freshman running back Bo Jackson has 538 yards on 81 carries. Purdue has allowed big numbers to opposing passing attacks and they will be expected to struggle defending the pass against the current Heisman frontrunner.
Purdue’s offenseis led by quarterback Ryan Browne and simply lacks consistent firepower. They will need their best offensive performance of the year to keep up with the number one Buckeyes. But Ohio State has the nation’s best defense, making that quite the challenge.
Quarterback Play
Julian Sayin’s play at the quarterback position has been the difference‑maker for Ohio State this year. His 316‑yard, four-touchdown performance in last week’s 38‑14 win over the Penn State Nittany Lions was another example of Sayin being one of the best quarterbacks in the country.
Ryan Browne has been serviceable but not elite for Purdue. The Boilermakers lack the explosive weapons to consistently challenge premier defenses. Browne will need to avoid turnovers while under pressure from Ohio State’s defense to give the Boilermakers any chance here.
Betting Trends
- Ohio State is 7-0-1 against the spread this year. They are the only team without a loss against the spread this season.
- Purdue is 3-5-1 against the spread going into this game.
- The under has cashed in five of their first eight games.
- Purdue has had seven of their nine games stay under their totals.
Ohio State vs Purdue Model Projection
Score Projection: Ohio State 38 – Purdue 6
Win Probability: Ohio State 92%, Purdue 8%
Final Thoughts
Ohio State should roll once again in this contest against Purdue. But instead of laying the big point spread with the Buckeyes, I’m going to take the under in this spot. The Buckeyes have the best defense in the country and should be able to hold Purdue in check throughout. They will be able to chew clock late in the game and cruise to a comfortable win against their Big Ten rivals.
