While Notre Dame’s rivalry with Michigan came to an end last week, the team is not done with all of its Big Ten rivals. The 86th battle for the Shillelagh Trophy kicks off at 7:30 p.m. ET Saturday when the Fighting Irish square off against Purdue at Lucas Oil Stadium. Television coverage is available on NBC.
How to watch Purdue vs. Notre Dame: Game guide, TV/streaming, odds, more
The Irish seek another Big Ten rivalry win Saturday against the Boilermakers.
Notre Dame dominated Michigan in the second game of the season. Quarterback Everett Golson, who took the Irish to the national championship game in 2012 before being suspended for the 2013 season, has returned with a vengeance. The senior has completed 66 percent of his pass attempts and thrown five touchdowns without an interception. Despite the fact that former defensive coordinator Bob Diaco left the program, the Notre Dame defense looks stellar. Last week’s shutout of the Wolverines proved that the defense has not missed a step.
Purdue, on the other hand, is still rebuilding under second-year coach Darrell Hazell. The Boilermakers have split a pair of games with directional Michigans, knocking off Western Michigan in their opener before a three-touchdown loss to Central Michigan last week. Senior running back Raheem Mostert has been their best offensive weapon, rushing for 199 yards on 41 attempts so far this season. But a quarterback controversy rages, while fans wonder if either can actually lead Purdue to victory.
How to witness
TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, NBC
Online streaming: NBC Sports Live Extra
More from our team sites
The numbers
Rankings and records: Notre Dame enters undefeated and ranked No. 11 in both polls. Purdue is unranked at 1-1.
Vegas: The Irish are a 28-point favorite after opening at 29.5, with an over/under total at 57.
Weather forecast: It will be partly cloudy and cool in Indianapolis Saturday, with temperatures in the low 60s during the day falling into the mid-50s by kickoff. Luckily, this one’s in a dome.
Two things at stake
Notre Dame has held the Shillelagh Trophy since 2008, a six-game winning streak it will try to protect Saturday. In all, the Irish lead the series, 57-26-2, over Purdue.
For the Boilermakers, a win Saturday would be their first victory over a ranked opponent since a 2011 win over Illinois.
One big matchup
Notre Dame's halfbacks vs. Purdue's defense: Purdue has made Western Michigan halfback Jarvion Franklin and Central Michigan running back Thomas Rawls look like Walter Payton. The two MACbacks have combined for 318 yards and five touchdowns against the Boilers, averaging over 6 yards per carry in the process. While Notre Dame's running back tandem of Greg Bryant and Tarean Folston haven't yet done much, they'll have ample opportunity Saturday. The Notre Dame single-game rushing record is 262 yards. Could it be in jeopardy Saturday?
Further reading
One Foot Down covers the Fighting Irish, and Hammer & Rails has all things Purdue.
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