Hoosier Huddle's Game Day Primer: Old Oaken Bucket Game

Written by: TJ Inman (@TJHoosierHuddle)

What: Indiana Hoosiers (4-7) vs. Purdue Boilermakers (7-4)

When: Saturday, November 26 at 3:30 EST

Where: Memorial Stadium in Bloomington, IN   

How to Watch: The game will be broadcast on BTN and can be heard on the IU Radio Network.

Series History: The Indiana Hoosiers and Purdue Boilermakers began playing annually back in 1891 with the Boilers winning the first five contests (plus an IU forfeit) before IU won for the first time in 1899. The two were largely even until Purdue nine of 11 with one tie between 1924 and 1933. The Hoosiers were dominant Bo McMillin from 1940 to 1947, winning seven of eight games. Once McMillin left, Purdue took over with a series long winning streak of ten games between 1948-1957. In fact, from 1948 to 1975, Purdue won 21 times to IU’s three. The Hoosiers began to turn the tide until Lee Corso and then took over the rivalry with Bill Mallory at the helm. IU won seven of ten meetings before Joe Tiller revolutionized the Big Ten and blasted the Hoosiers in the late 90s and early 2000s. The past ten meetings have been even with each team winning five games. Last season was a 44-7 romp for Purdue and the Boilermakers lead the overall series 75-42 with six ties.

What’s at Stake: Anytime IU and Purdue meet in any sport, it is a big deal. On the gridiron, the two battle for the Old Oaken Bucket and ending the season by hanging another link on the chain is the primary goal. For Indiana, ending a disappointing 2022 by winning back-to-back rivalry games would be a huge boost for the program. In addition, it would make Dexter Williams 2-0 as starting quarterback and make him the clearcut leader to win the 2023 quarterback competition. For Purdue, they will be going win number eight and since Iowa lost to Nebraska, a win would clinch the Big Ten West.

Picks For Tonight:

Check out PicksforTonight college football computer picks to see which way their model is picking the Hoosier game and more this weekenda

A FEW THINGS TO LOOK FOR

1.    Containing Jones and Payne

Jeff Brohm offenses are known for being incredibly explosive and high-scoring. This offense is not the best one Brohm has coached and has probably been a bit disappointing given the return of Aidan O’Connell. That being said, this is still a very capable unit and they rely on two main players. Wide receiver Charlie Jones and tight end Payne Durham combined for 13 catches per game (the rest of the team averages 14.3 per game) and the duo has scored 18 of the 23 receiving touchdowns on the season. Charlie Jones is one of the most impactful transfers in the country. He came to Purdue from Iowa and has been outstanding all season, developing an immediate rapport with Aidan O’Connell and becoming the number one threat in this offense. Payne Durham is possibly the best tight end in the Big Ten and the two are a bear for defenses to contain. IU is thin at linebacker and the secondary has had a major problem with marquee wideouts all season so this matchup is problematic for the Hoosiers.

2.    IU’s Running Game

The Indiana Hoosiers offense completely changed identities over the course of a couple of weeks. The first several weeks of the season had Indiana surprising most by attempting more passes than anyone in the country. IU went at a lightning-tempo and eschewed any attempts to run the ball, continuing to chuck it around. A combination of injuries at wide receiver to D.J. Matthews and Cam Camper, an inability to block opposing pass rushes and a change at quarterback led to more running in the past couple of games and the first start for Dexter Williams last Saturday resulted in IU completing just one pass in regulation and running the ball for 5.8 yards per carry and 257 yards on the ground. Williams and Shaun Shivers both had great games, Josh Henderson had a rushing touchdown and the IU offensive line had its best day of the season. Purdue has given up north of five yards per carry to multiple teams this year including Iowa, Wisconsin and Nebraska in recent weeks. The Hoosiers will need to do a better job staying balanced than they did against Michigan State but the running game will be the go-to and they’ll need it to excel as it did against the Spartans.

3.    The “Little” Things

In close rivalry games, things like penalties, turnovers and special teams often end up playing a crucial role. Take last week as an example, IU returned a kick for a touchdown to get them back into the game. Michigan State missed a short kick that would have won the game and the Hoosiers blocked another one (that was offset by MSU blocking one from IU). Purdue is averaging 5.3 penalties per game for 54.8 yards against while IU is averaging 5.2 penalties and 45.4 yards per game. The Hoosiers were plus-one last week but are minus-four for the season while Purdue is minus-one on the year. The team that can handle those areas of the game and manage emotions better will have a clear leg-up and have a great chance to celebrate with the Old Oaken Bucket.