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4d ago

USC Visits Purdue for First Meeting Since 1998 as Big Ten Play Opens

Model projections call for points, with Purdue's transfer-heavy, run-first style challenging USC's fast-starting offense.

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Purdue running back Antonio Harris, left, takes a handoff from quarterback Ryan Browne during a game against Southern Illinois on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, in West Lafayette, Ind. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)
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Overview

  • Kickoff is Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET at Ross-Ade Stadium on CBS with streaming on Paramount+, marking the programs’ first matchup since 1998.
  • Sportsbooks list USC around -21 with a 58.5 total, and SportsLine’s 10,000-simulation model projects roughly 62 points and reports one side of the spread hitting in over 60% of runs.
  • USC is 2-0 after routing two Group of Five opponents, leading the nation in total offense and yards per play as Jayden Maiava has thrown six TDs and RB Waymond Jordan averages 10.0 yards per carry.
  • Defensive and discipline questions linger for the Trojans after allowing three passing touchdowns and 142 rushing yards to Georgia Southern and committing eight penalties, and they reworked travel routines following last season’s Big Ten road struggles.
  • Purdue is 2-0 under first-year coach Barry Odom, added 54 transfers, emphasizes clock control with a top-25 run-call rate, and features heavy usage of Big Ten carries leader Devin Mockobee.