Purdue vs. Notre Dame: The Battle for the Shillelagh

Ladies and gentleman, it is finally time for the occasion that is better than Christmas morning, and the 4th of July combined.  That is right, it is once again time for the kick off to college football. Bring on the crazed drunken fans running around campus at all hours of the day, and the onslought of alumni who will be invading campus to relive college every weekend. This weekend Purdue will be traveling the 110 miles north to face the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame, for the ever so coveted Shillelagh trophy.  

Notre Dame has big expectations for this year, as they do every year, but this year they are even greater with new coach Brian Kelly looking to lead Notre Dame back to glory. The Irish fans are talking about a national championship already, but with the recent off season struggles of this team, one would think they had a better chance at winning a beer pong national title, yet that is beside the point. As Purdue travels to South Bend look forward to a gut wrenching game that has all the makings for an instant classic.

Both teams who are sporting new quarterbacks, have high hopes for the season.  Dayne Crist will starting at QB for the Fighting Irish.  Crist, who Boilermaker fans might remember from last years crushing defeat at the hands of the Irish after replacing Clauson and his big toe, went five for ten last year in passing for 45 yards and rushed for 16 yards against the Boilermakers.  

With the graduation of Joey Elliot last season, Purdue is looking for Junior Miami transfer Robert Marve to pick up where he left off. After a strong spring game, Marve looks like he could join the Cradle of Quarterbacks, at least Purdue Fans are hoping.  Expect a mediocre game from Marve as he will be rusty for not playing in a few seasons. 

Purdue's running game will be a key to this game.  With the loss of Robert Bolden for the season, the Boilermakers will be left to Al Terek McBurse.  A blue chip recruit, the Boilermakers will be looking for this sophomore to step up and fill in the big shoes left by Bolden.

Purdue's defense is loaded with some veteran leaders. Senior defensive end Ryan Kerrigan who finished last year with 66 tackles and 12 sacks, will be expected to wreck havoc on Brian Kelley's fast paced no huddle offense. Jason Werner the sixth year linebacker, finished last season with 75 tackles, and is a great presence in the secondary.  Werner will be looked toward for leadership throughout the season. 

The Irish defense is looking strong once again this year.  Boilermakers will remember a strong Irish defense leading to Punt after Punt during last year's battle at Ross Ade Stadium.

Although they will be traveling on the road, Purdue has what it takes to win this game.  Purdue is known to not be able to get wins when it counts or against big opponents, but after Danny Hope's stunning victory over Ohio State last year, one would think that this is a new Boilermaker team with new swagger. Expect this to be a high powered, good old fashioned slobber-knocker. 

Purdue Pulls out a tough win on a Carson Wiggs field goal, Purdue 27, Notre Dame 24.