Purdue looks to snap a 16-game Big Ten losing streak when it travels to Washington on Saturday night. The Boilermakers (2-8, 0-7 Big Ten) haven’t won a conference game since November 2023 and enter the matchup struggling offensively, averaging just 20.9 points per game while ranking 127th nationally in red-zone efficiency. Purdue also owns one of the nation’s worst turnover margins at minus-10.
Washington (6-3, 3-3 Big Ten), meanwhile, aims to rebound from a 13-10 loss to Wisconsin in which quarterback Demond Williams Jr. Posted a season-low 134 passing yards. The Huskies remain one of the Big Ten’s most balanced offenses, averaging 417.8 yards per game and converting third downs at a fifth-best 51.9% clip. Their run defense, ranked fourth in the conference, could be pivotal against a Purdue backfield still adjusting after losing standout Devin Mockobee to a season-ending ankle injury.
Purdue’s biggest challenge will come through the air. The Boilermakers allow 241.3 passing yards per game and have been even more vulnerable in league play. Washington could exploit that weakness even if leading receiver Denzel Boston, who is questionable with an ankle injury, is limited. Williams still has depth at receiver, including Omari Evans and a trio of promising freshmen.
Purdue has shown flashes and lead late against Minnesota and Rutgers, but lapses in the fourth quarter have repeatedly doomed Barry Odom’s squad. Washington’s efficiency and defensive consistency make the Huskies a significant favorite as they try to move ahead in Bowl positioning.
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