There are just too many similarities between these teams to warrant more than a 10 point favorite line for the home team. I think Notre Dame can lose this game. Why are these teams similar..
Both Qb's have limited experience and are both coming off ACL injuries with lots of potential and have weapons in receivers. Notre Dame has Malcolm Floyd and Purdue has Keith Smith the best WR in the Big Ten. To me this the combo of Marve/Smith is better than Crist/Floyd. Both weaknesses for this team is the secondary and both teams have 3 new offensive lineman. However, Notre Dame brand new system and Crist will have a good day but overall the front 7 of Purdue has some depth and experience.
Key to why Purdue stays int his game will bet he best player on defense overall in this game in Ryan Kerrigan (13 sacks a year ago). Look for him to get a couple of hits on Crist who hasn't been hit in practice at all. This will be scary because Kerrigan should dominate against an offensive line that has three newbies for Notre Dame. If they opt to double team that will leave one side of the O line at risk.
