Down The Drive Staff Predictions; Purdue

Mike Coleman: U.C. 24, Purdue 17

RepublicOfCincinnati: Lock me in for Bearcats 31, Boilers 17

Matt DuMont: When you combine the coaching changes on both teams and the fact that it's going to be about 120 degrees on the field, I think both defenses will struggle a bit. UC hasn't lost a non-conference game at Nippert since 10-5-2002 (Miami OH). I think this continues on Saturday. 31-24 Cats.

Jeff Gentil: Due to the fact that I don't think Brendon Kay is going to be at full strength and Munchie will play a significant amount, I'm going to keep the score closer and say 27-20 Bearcats in a game that is going to test the depth of both sides. It's going to be a scorcher so there may be some attrition. But, the Bearcats are deeper and more talented.

Matt Opper: The fact that this is the first game of the season, and that it is being played at high noon in a stadium where the temperature can easily soar above 120 degrees, favors the deeper team. That is the Bearcats, particularly up front along. Ryan Russell and Bruce Gaston are great players, probably the two best NFL prospects on the Purdue team, but they don't have a ton of help. UC at the moment doesn't have anyone on defense at that level, they just have more of them. At least 10 defensive linemen will play in the rotation, possibly more. The offensive line will play 7 or 8 guys and really try to push the pace. Purdue will keep in close well into the second half, but UC's depth will tell in the end.

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