The Purdue Boilermakers and Michigan State Spartans meet on November 22, 2024, in a Big Ten clash at Spartan Stadium. Purdue enters the matchup with a 1-8 record, desperate for a win to salvage an otherwise dismal season, while Michigan State sits at 4-5, seeking a victory to keep their postseason dreams alive. With both teams facing offensive and defensive challenges, the game’s outcome will likely hinge on execution and limiting mistakes. Offensively, Purdue has struggled mightily this season, averaging just 17.5 points per game. Quarterback Brady Allen has been inconsistent, throwing for 1,892 yards with 12 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. While Allen has shown flashes of potential, his decision-making has frequently hindered the team’s progress. The Boilermakers’ ground game has also been ineffective, averaging only 95.7 rushing yards per game. Running back Devin Mockobee leads the team with 432 yards on the ground but has faced difficulties running behind an offensive line that has been inconsistent in both pass protection and run blocking. Purdue’s receiving corps, led by TJ Sheffield and Deion Burks, has been a relative bright spot, combining for over 1,200 receiving yards and 8 touchdowns. However, the lack of a balanced offensive attack has made it difficult for the Boilermakers to sustain drives and generate scoring opportunities. Michigan State’s offense, on the other hand, has been more reliable, averaging 24.8 points per game. Quarterback Katin Houser has been a key contributor, throwing for 2,145 yards with 18 touchdowns and 8 interceptions. Houser has benefited from a solid offensive line and a complementary rushing attack led by Jalen Berger, who has accumulated 678 yards and 6 touchdowns this season.

Michigan State’s balanced approach, with an average of 245 passing yards and 140 rushing yards per game, has kept opposing defenses guessing. The Spartans’ ability to sustain drives and control the clock has been a critical factor in their four wins this season. Defensively, Purdue has struggled to stop opponents, allowing 31.2 points per game. Their run defense has been a major weakness, conceding 210.5 rushing yards per game, while the secondary has given up 220.8 passing yards per game. Linebacker Kydran Jenkins has been a standout, leading the team with 75 tackles and 4 sacks, but the defense has lacked depth and consistency. Conversely, Michigan State’s defense has been more effective, allowing 26.5 points per game. The Spartans’ run defense has been solid, holding opponents to 130.7 rushing yards per game, but their pass defense has shown vulnerabilities, surrendering 245.3 passing yards per game. Defensive end Simeon Barrow and linebacker Cal Haladay have anchored the unit, with Barrow contributing 6 sacks and Haladay leading the team with 82 tackles. With Michigan State playing at home and boasting a more balanced offense and a slightly better defense, they are the clear favorites. Purdue’s best chance lies in limiting turnovers and finding ways to exploit Michigan State’s secondary, but their struggles on both sides of the ball make an upset unlikely.