WEST LAFAYETTE — Purdue football is seeking major momentum entering an idle week.
But first, the Boilermakers face Washington on Friday night at 8 p.m.
It's a rare opportunity to win a third straight Big Ten game, something Purdue hasn't done since closing the 2022 regular season with three consecutive victories to make its only Big Ten Championship game appearance.
Washington also brings defensive coordinator Ryan Walters to Ross-Ade Stadium for the first time since he was Purdue's head coach in 2024, as well as former Purdue special teams coordinator Chris Petrilli. Brian Odom, younger brother of Purdue head coach Barry Odom, coaches Washington's inside linebackers.
Prior to last season's 49-13 Washington victory in Seattle, the two programs hadn't met since Purdue's victory in the 2002 Sun Bowl. That stopped a string of seven consecutive Washington victories in the series, including the 2001 Rose Bowl.
Scouting Purdue football's opponent, Washington
The Huskies are led by second-year starting quarterback Demond Williams Jr., though his status for Friday's game remains uncertain. Williams left last week's loss against Iowa with an injury and was replaced by Stanford transfer Elijah Brown, who threw for 251 yards and 3 touchdowns in relief.
More: TV, radio for Purdue football vs Washington
After starting 3-0, Washington has lost three straight and enters 0-3 in Big Ten play. Washington is averaging 26.2 points and allowing 22.2 per game. Washington ranks last in the Big Ten in rushing, averaging 90.3 yards per game. The Huskies ranks 15th out of 18 in total offense, aided by a fifth-ranked passing attack. Washington ranks 10th in total defense.
WASHINGTON STATISTICAL LEADERS −Passing: Demond Williams Jr. (116-174, 1,396 yards, 8 TD, 3 INT); Elijah Brown (30-42, 276 yards, 4 TD, 0 INT). Rushing: Brian Bonner (51 car., 232 yards) Williams Jr. (63 car., 183 yards, 2 TD). Receiving: Dezmen Roebuck (43 rec., 387 yards, 2 TD), Chris Lawson (26 rec., 280 yards, 2 TD). Tackles: Alex McLaughlin (41), Jacob Manu (35). Tackles for loss: McLaughlin (5), Jacob Lane (4). Sacks: McLaughlin (2.5), Lane (2.5). Interceptions: McLaughlin (2). Kicking: Tyler Robles (8-10 FG, long of 48, 17-17 PAT). Punting: Hunter Green (31 punt, 47.6 average).
Purdue football players to watch
If Ryan Browne continues to use his legs as well as his arm, it could be catastrophic for a Washington defense that allows 136.7 yards per game on the ground, especially considering Purdue running back Fame Ijeboi's production coming off a 195-yard game in a win over Minnesota. The difference in the game could be the secondary. Purdue's defense continues to make strides. A week ago, Purdue completely eliminated Minnesota's ground game and the defensive front and linebackers seem to be a cohesive unit the last two weeks. Purdue ranks 17th in the Big Ten in passing defense and goes up against a team among the league's best in throwing the football. Purdue safety John Slaughter has an interception and a fumble recovery in the past two weeks.
More: How Purdue football receivers' blocking has become key to offensive growth
PURDUE STATISTICAL LEADERS − Passing: Ryan Browne (124-180, 1,549 yards, 9 TD, 1 INT). Rushing: Fame Ijeboi (117 car., 549 yards, 9 TD), Antonio Harris (23 car., 91 yards, 1 TD). Receiving: Xavier Townsend (29 rec., 315 yards, 2 TD), Asaad Waseem (29 rec., 472 yards, 1 TD), Chauncey Magwood (17 rec., 206 yards, 1 TD). Tackles: Jojo Hayden (40), Charles Correa (38). Tackles for loss: Don Saunders (2.5), Jeremy Lewis (2.5). Sacks: Lewis (1.5). Interceptions: Hayden (1), Correa (1), Saunders (1), John Slaughter (1). Kicking: Jacobo Echeverria Lozano (13-14 FG, long of 48, 20-20 PAT). Punting: Dylan Drennan (17 attempts, 47.6 average).
Get Purdue football tickets vs. Washington
What uniform combination will Purdue football wear vs. Washington?
Purdue is going full blackout for its night game against Washington. The Boilermakers will wear black pants, jersey and helmet.
Purdue football honorary captain
Markus Bailey will return to Ross-Ade Stadium as Purdue's honorary captain vs. Washington. Bailey played linebacker at Purdue from 2015-19, recording 326 career tackles, 28 tackles for loss, 13.5 sacks and 6 interceptions, including one returned 41 yards for a touchdown in a 2018 win over Ohio State. Bailey played 60 games for the Cincinnati Bengals from 2020-23, helping them reach Super Bowl LVI in February 2022.
Purdue football injury report
Left tackle Joey Tanona continues to be sidelined by an ankle injury suffered in fall camp. Defensive back Mister Clark will miss his sixth straight game after starting the season opener against Indiana State.
Purdue vs. Washington odds
(via BetMGM)
Favorite: Purdue by 3.5 points
Over/under: 51.5 total points
Moneyline: Purdue -165, Washington +140
Purdue football vs. Washington prediction
Proving the Big Ten is very much week to week, Purdue is a favorite against Washington. That seemed inconceivable just a few weeks ago. A suddenly resurgent run defense now faces the Big Ten's worst rushing attack. But who will Washington have at quarterback. It makes a difference. Demond Williams Jr.'s ability to move coupled with Purdue's inability this season to put hits on the QB is a concern. It might not matter if the Boilers keep piling up offense.
Prediction: Purdue 30, Washington 21
Sam King covers sports for the Journal & Courier. Email him at sking@jconline.com and follow him on X and Instagram @samueltking.
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Scouting report, prediction for Purdue football vs Washington
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