Free Pick | NCAA | Saturday | Sep. 26

Nelly’s is coming off a 3-0 Sunday in the NFL last weekend – our first 7* goes today!

#359 Notre Dame –27 over Purdue 1:00 PM CT

Notre Dame has won 10 straight in this series. It’s only 3-3 ATS in the six meetings since 2012, but the last two produced a combined 122 points, and this Irish team looks more complete than the ones that failed to cover. Saturday is Notre Dame’s first true road game after opening against Wisconsin at Lambeau Field and then hosting Rice and Michigan State. The No. 3 Irish already have two wins over Big Ten teams and know that style points still matter to the playoff committee. Last week’s 27-10 win over Michigan State missed the number, but the box score was lopsided. Notre Dame outgained the Spartans 395-167 and allowed just 40 yards after halftime. Chris Ash is in his second season as defensive coordinator, and former Notre Dame safety Aaron Henry joined as co-coordinator this year. Their unit hasn’t missed a beat despite heavy turnover on the defensive staff. CJ Carr has the offense running efficiently, including a 61-yard touchdown strike early against Michigan State, and his team captains lead a veteran group built for a road test like this. Purdue has shown progress in Barry Odom’s second season. The Boilermakers played UCLA competitively and lost in overtime to Wake Forest. Quarterback Ryan Browne has opened with three straight 300-yard passing games, including 378 yards at the Rose Bowl last week. But the defense for Purdue is a huge problem. UCLA scored 52 points on the Boilermakers, and scoring alone won’t close the talent gap. Purdue is 0-1 in the Big Ten with a difficult schedule ahead, and it’s still more of a rebuilding program than a spoiler. Purdue’s defense has been leaking points, and Notre Dame’s defense is shutting teams down. Four touchdowns is a big number on the road, but Notre Dame has the depth to pull away in the second half.