Just a week after their monumental display at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium as part of the Emerald Isle Classic, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish will be taking on Purdue’s Boilermakers on Saturday.
The Chicago Tribune reports that the Fighting Irish haven’t lost a game to Purdue while in South Bend since 2004. This weekend’s showdown between the two Indiana rivals will be on Notre Dame’s turf.
Purdue will come sailing into South Bend after an easy victory last weekend during their season opener against Eastern Kentucky with a final score of 48-6, their eighth straight opening victory Similarly, Notre Dame trampled Navy in Dublin last Saturday with a final score of 50-10, setting the stage for an even-matched showdown this weekend in South Bend.
The Irish have a winning tradition with the Boilermakers, having won their last four meetings. Purdue has not won in South Bend since 2004.
Following last week’s victory over Eastern Kentucky, Purdue coach Danny Hope spoke warmly of his team’s defensive effort in the face of Notre Dame: "This was huge for our confidence. We have a chance to be very good on defense. The potential is there. These were great trial runs for the defense."
Similarly, Fighting Irish coach Brian Kelly is feeling good about Saturday’s matchup after an impressive starting debut from sophomore Everett Golson. "He made some good decisions and moved our offense well. We put 50 points on the board, so that's a pretty good start."
With both teams coming in from a strong start to their seasons, Saturday’s matchup should be a thriller. Which Indiana team will you be rooting for - Notre Dame or Purdue?
Comments