[twincities77]

Almost every angle I've examined for this game has me leaning towards Purdue, but I've heard a lot of folks expecting this to be a Oregon rout. How do you expect this game to go?

[The General]

No opinion on side, but 1st pick this season I have liked: the over.

GL to ya

[The General]

On a side note the guys I know are betting Oregon.

[Cougar Bait]

TC,

I like Purdue here. I know I am in the minority, but that's okay. This game is a different beast without Blount. Last season, in West Lafayette, Blount rushed for 131 yards and the winning TD from three yards out in the second overtime. This was a game in which Oregon trailed throughout, only to steal it at the very end. I know for a fact it was a bitter loss early in the year for Purdue. With Blount out, the Ducks will rely on 2 redshirt freshman, Kenjon Barner and LaMichael James. They are talented, but not seasoned, to say the least. Also gone from last season are all-conference secondary players Jairus Byrd and Patrick Chung. I believe you saw their absence in last weeks pathetic showing vs. Boise. Watch for junior receiver Keith Smith for Purdue. He has started 2009 right where he expected to, leading the team in receptions. His eight receptions and 117 receiving yards were team highs in the opening day win over Toledo. What's even more amazing is the fact that Smith's eight catches accounted for 47 percent of Joey Elliott's 17 completions. Smith's big day is his second consecutive for the Boilers. In the final game of 2008, against Indiana, Smith caught 12 passes for 135 yards and a TD. I put a small play on Purdue. Just my take. There's a lot of good cappers on Oregon.

[twincities77]

Yeah I know, that's my sense too. I just can't figure out on what basis so many like Oregon. I'm not saying they shouldn't, just saying I can't figure out why.

[bellhop68]

Factoring in the Blount chaos/distraction makes me take Purdue in this one.

[twincities77]

Well I took the plunge, Purdue +13 (+105). I expect it to be a relatively close, high scoring affair. Oregon doesn't impress me at all after getting dismantled way worse than the score indicated against Boise State. Add in the loss of their starting stud RB, the distractions, and the possible shock of getting walloped in the first game, I really like Purdue here. If I'm wrong, well at least I'll figure out why folks like Oregon so much.

[Cougar Bait]

Purdue made some plays early...held Oregon to a 3 and out-then threw a pick. Ducks with good field position. If they don't get 7, that's a sign of things to come.

[Cougar Bait]

Purdue just marched down field like there wasn't even a defense out there. 7-3 Boilermakers, early.

[twincities77]

Purdue just marched down field like there wasn't even a defense out there. 7-3 Boilermakers, early.

I'm expecting that to happen both ways tonight, but nice to see Purdue get there first.

[Cougar Bait]

Yeah, me as well, and it appears Oregon finally has their mojo working...could be interesting.