Nov 292 min read

Hoosiers Aim to Recover, Purdue Hopes for Rare Victory

The No. 10 Indiana Hoosiers (10-1, 7-1 Big Ten Conference) will look to bounce back from their first loss of the season when they host Purdue (1-10, 0-8) at 7:00 p.m. EST on Nov. 30 at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington, Ind. on FS1. The Hoosiers are heavy favorites as they aim to solidify their place in the B1G title race. Meanwhile, in a clash with their in-state rival, Purdue seeks a morale-boosting upset to cap off a challenging season.

The Stakes

Indiana is reeling after its first loss of the season, a crushing 38-15 defeat in Columbus, Ohio. The Hoosiers must regroup quickly, as a win against Purdue is essential to keeping their hopes alive for a spot in the B1G title game. For Purdue, the stakes may not be as high, but securing a second victory would be a significant step in rebuilding its program. Knocking off a ranked rival like Indiana would boost morale and lay the groundwork for future success.

Key Players: Hoosiers

Senior quarterback Kurtis Rourke will need a significant bounce-back performance after struggling against No. 2 Ohio State (10-1, 7-1). While Purdue presents a lesser challenge, Indiana cannot afford another stagnant offensive showing. The Hoosiers will also rely heavily on their senior running back duo of Justice Ellison and Ty Son Lawton to re-establish their dominant tag-team rushing attack, which has been a key factor in their success this season. Getting their ground game back on track will be crucial for Indiana’s return to form.

Purdue Needs Team Effort

With only one win this season, Purdue faces a steep challenge against Indiana. Rather than relying on individual standouts, the Boilermakers will need a collective team effort to compete. Every unit must step up and play resiliently, aiming to make it a long night for the Hoosiers. Purdue's success hinges on showing grit across the board, as they look to turn a tough season into a building block for the future by delivering a strong, unified performance.

Trends to Watch

The Hoosiers and Boilermakers have experienced polar opposite seasons. Indiana started strong but is looking to rebound from its first loss, while Purdue has struggled, managing only one win. With Indiana favored by 29 points, all eyes will be on whether they can dominate as expected or if Purdue can show unexpected tenacity to keep the game closer than anticipated.