In Week 9 of the 2026 season, the Penn State Nittany Lions host the Purdue Boilermakers at Beaver Stadium.
As the Nittany Lions prepare for their Big Ten opponent, this late-October clash presents a critical mid-season test for both programs.
The Boilermakers travel to University Park bringing a highly efficient offensive attack, anchored by a stellar 94.1% red-zone conversion rate that cleanly outpaces Penn State’s 85.7% mark. While Purdue has consistently found ways to finish its scoring drives, the Nittany Lions are fully capable of keeping pace, averaging a healthy 384.1 total yards of offense per game.
Penn State’s Outlook
Coming off an open week, Penn State looks to bounce back from a narrow 21-18 road defeat against the Michigan Wolverines in Week 7.
The Nittany Lions outgained Michigan by compiling 332 total yards—including 267 through the air—but were ultimately undone by three costly turnovers that derailed their momentum in a tightly contested, one-score game.
The Nittany Lions will try to clean up those mistakes and lean on the playmakers who kept them competitive at Michigan Stadium.
Quarterback Rocco Becht commands the passing attack. On the ground, Carson Hansen provides a reliable scoring threat after punching in a two-yard touchdown against the Wolverines. Despite its recent issues with ball security, Penn State still holds a plus-four turnover differential on the year and will aim to leverage that strength.
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Purdue arrives in University Park looking to rebound from a 38-26 home loss against the Washington Huskies in Week 7. Under second-year head coach Barry Odom, the Boilermakers feature a potent offense averaging 31 points and 409.1 total yards per game. In their recent defeat, Purdue compiled 371 total yards—including 273 through the air—and won the turnover battle by forcing five takeaways. But Purdue struggled defensively, ultimately surrendering 488 total yards and 38 points.
The Boilermakers’ offense relies on a few key playmakers. Quarterback Ryan Browne provides a dual-threat presence, recently throwing a 10-yard touchdown pass to Fame Ijeboi and scrambling for an eight-yard score against Washington. In the backfield, Antonio Harris offers a reliable short-yardage option after punching in a one-yard rushing touchdown. Additionally, kicker Jacobo Echeverria Lozano gives Purdue dependable scoring range, recently highlighted by a 48-yard field goal conversion.
Rankings
Neither Penn State nor Purdue appeared in the Week 9 Associated Press Top 25 poll. Furthermore, both programs failed to garner any consideration in the “Others Receiving Votes” category.
Gametime
Kickoff for this matchup is scheduled for Saturday 4:15.
TV
The matchup will be broadcast live on the Big Ten Network.
Spread
Penn State is favored by 10.5 points, representing a two-point jump from the opening line of 8.5. The moneyline sits at -397 for the Nittany Lions and +312 for the underdog Boilermakers, while the total climbed from 52.5 to 54.5. This double-digit spread highlights the Nittany Lions’ home-field advantage.
Carson Hansen carries a -190 anytime touchdown price. Rocco Becht holds a +119 anytime touchdown price. On the opposing sideline, Ohifame Ijeboi has a -165 anytime touchdown line.
