Ohio State becomes first No. 1 opponent for Purdue in 35 years

The top-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes head to Purdue on Saturday looking to stay unbeaten and on course for another Big Ten title run.

Ryan Day’s squad faces first-year Boilermakers coach Barry Odom, who continues to immerse himself in the program’s rich football history. But he’ll have to find a way to end the struggles.

Purdue has beaten ranked Ohio State teams eight times, including a 49-20 upset in 2018 that remains one of the Buckeyes’ most shocking defeats of the past decade. However, it will take a extraordinary effort to repeat on Saturday. This is also the first time Purdue has faced a No. 1 team since 1990.

The Boilermakers (2-7, 0-6 Big Ten) have dropped 15 consecutive conference games, while defending national champion Ohio State (8-0, 5-0 Big Ten) is tuning up for another playoff run behind Heisman hopeful quarterback Julian Sayin. He leads the FBS in passer efficiency (189.1) and has guided the Buckeyes’ offense near flawlessly.

Purdue will also be without fan-favorite running back Devin Mockobee, who underwent ankle surgery last week, ending his career at No. 4 on the school’s all-time rushing list.

Ohio State heads to Purdue on Saturday afternoon (1 p.m. ET, BTN).