Penn State Predictions: NSN Crew Picks Penn State-Purdue

It’s time for predictions, and No. 4 Penn State is a heavy favorite over 1-8 Purdue.

Even on the road, most think Penn State will take care of business.

Here’s what our crew thinks will happen.

MIKE ASTI, YARDBARKER/WVSPORTS NOW

James Franklin doesn’t let his team blow games they should win. And Franklin teams dominate teams they should dominate.

While some Penn State fans might still be upset over the Ohio State game, the Nittany Lions proved they aren’t going to suffer a hiccup against an inferior opponent last week when they took it to Washington. There’s no reason to believe they won’t do the same thing to a 1-8 Purdue team.

The 2024 Boilermakers are one of the worst Purdue teams ever and have lost eight straight. Their only win came in their season opener against an FCS school. Penn State will win big, and honestly, Penn State needs to win big to show it is truly worthy of its No. 4 ranking in the College Football Playoff standings.

Penn State 46, Purdue 3

AUSTIN BECHTOLD, NITTANY SPORTS NOW/93.7 THE FAN

Penn State is coming off back-to-back emotional games following Ohio State and Washington in the White Out at home. The Nittany Lions offense went 4 for 4 in the first half scoring touchdowns and never punted.

Penn State was fortunate Miami and Georgia lost to move up two spots in the College Football Playoff rankings. A home playoff game is in reach if the Nittany Lions win their last three games. I want to see Drew Allar and Abdul Carter dominate at Purdue and please, can a wide receiver step up and make plays to compliment Tyler Warren to provide another pass threat? It hurt PSU against OSU and remains a concern going into the playoffs against teams that can physically match or exceed Penn State. Saturday needs to be about grabbing a big win, scoring a lot of points, solving the issue of the opposing team scoring on its first drive, and clean up the mistakes.

Penn State 48, Purdue 10

ANDY STINE, NITTANY SPORTS NOW/ALTOONA MIRROR

You should be able to give the ball to Kaytron Allen three times at the goal line this week and be fine.

Penn State 45, Purdue 10

JARROD PRUGAR, NITTANY SPORTS NOW/ALTOONA MIRROR

Penn State needs to get off the bus and go to work on the scoreboard early and often against Purdue. The Boilermakers are a common opponent between many in the top 10 and the Nittany Lions need to dispatch them much like their peers.

Penn State 52, Purdue 0

JOE SMELTZER, NITTANY SPORTS NOW

Penn State is 8-1. Purdue is 1-8. I don’t need to do too much explaining here, do I? Shutout city.

Penn State 45, Purdue 0

These are our Penn State predictions. What are yours?