Michigan football predictions vs. Purdue: Primetime audience getting another blowout?
Free Press sports writers share their predictions for the Michigan football game against Purdue on Saturday (7:30 p.m., NBC):
Tony Garcia
The Wolverines have endured two weeks of hot takes. On Saturday, they'll get to take out their frustrations on a cold, blustery evening. U-M forces three turnovers, Blake Corum tops 100 yards for the first time in more than a month and the Wolverines steamroll another opponent to keep J.J. McCarthy in the thick of the Heisman Trophy race. The pick: U-M 48, Purdue 10.
Carlos Monarrez
The outlook for the 2-6 Boilers, who were 0-for-October, was best summed up this week by offensive coordinator Graham Harrell, when he said: “What can go bad does go bad it feels like.” All right, boys, now go get those Wolverines! If Purdue Pete isn’t crying by the time “Mr. Brightside” plays, call it a moral victory for the visitors. The pick: Michigan 55, Purdue 9.
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Rainer Sabin
Just as many may consider the sign-stealing scandal a distraction for Michigan, it may serve as motivational kindling. Coming off a bye week, the Wolverines should be raring to go. Each of their first five Big Ten wins have been increasingly more decisive. After beating MSU, 49-0, in its last game, Michigan will be hard-pressed to net a wider margin of victory against the Boilermakers. But McCarthy and Co will come close against a 2-6 Purdue team that just lost by 17 points to Nebraska. Watch out. This could get ugly. The pick: Michigan 55, Purdue 7.
Jeff Seidel
When I think of U-M, I think of the Five Man Electrical Band: “Sign, sign, everywhere a sign. Blockin' out the scenery, breakin' my mind. Do this, don’t do that… ” Oh, my, so many layers to unpack here. But not in this game. No need to break down sideline signs for this one. Michigan rolls. The pick: Michigan 48, Purdue 10.
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Shawn Windsor
This may be generous as it's hard to imagine the Wolverines won't want to make a point when they take the field for the first time in two weeks. All the players have had to do is listen to their program's integrity questioned — almost daily. The pick: Michigan 45, Purdue 16.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan football predictions vs. Purdue: Another primetime blowout?
