A longtime in-state battle is back on the respective schedules of No. 12 Notre Dame and Purdue, who link up Saturday at 2:30 p.m. ET in South Bend, Indiana for the first time in seven years. The Fighting Irish and Boilermakers had previously faced each other in every season from 1946 to 2014.

The current college football odds see Notre Dame as 7.5-point favorites, although they’ve white-knuckled their way to a 2-0 record so far.

Purdue is also 2-0, in far less dramatic fashion, but neither opponent comes close to the caliber of the Irish. Check out our college football picks for this matchup in the article below.

Odds are current as of publication. Betting sites may indicate odds changes closer to kickoff.

5 Keys to Purdue vs. Notre Dame

Mayer creates mismatch: Notre Dame tight end Michael Mayer is the key that unlocks the Irish offense, and it’s not just because he caught last week’s winning touchdown. The 249-pound sophomore has a dangerous combo of size, speed and great hands, and he already has 16 catches for 201 yards and three scores this season.

Two-QB look: Jack Coan is Notre Dame’s undisputed starter under center, but keep an eye out for freshman Tyler Buchner. Last week, Buchner ignited the offense with 68 rush yards on seven carries, as well as a perfect 3-for-3 passing line for 78 yards and a touchdown. As a more mobile quarterback, he gives defenses something new to worry about.

First hostile crowd since ‘19: Purdue is only making a two-hour drive north for Saturday’s game, but it won’t feel anything like home. The 77,000-seat Notre Dame Stadium should be packed, and after a fan-less atmosphere last season it marks Purdue’s first true road test in a while. Definitely something to consider if planning a wager at Indiana sports betting sites.

Taking care of business: We’re not sure how much credit to give Purdue after last week’s 49-0 win over UConn, but at least they did what they were supposed to do. They scored all their points in the first three quarters, allowing several backups to get in the game, and they held the Huskies to 99 passing yards.

Horvath a huge loss: Purdue will miss starting running back Zander Horvath for at least the next four weeks with a broken leg. He was the team’s leading rusher last season and a key blocker in the backfield.

Purdue vs. Notre Dame Weather Forecast

It’ll feel like summer in South Bend, with mid-to-high-80s temperatures, virtually no wind and a 20% chance of rain.

Purdue vs. Notre Dame Moneyline

Notre Dame’s struggles so far have certainly forced sportsbooks to adjust this line. That’s what happens when you need overtime to beat Florida State (who just lost at home to FCS Jacksonville State) and a last-minute touchdown to beat Toledo at home.

If one wake-up call wasn’t enough, is two? We think so, and there’s value in adding Notre Dame’s moneyline odds (-275) to a parlay format. Take the -275 odds at BetMGM .

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Purdue vs. Notre Dame Point Spread

The too-early college football betting trends favor Purdue, a team that has covered its spread in both games so far (including a resounding 14-point cover over UConn last week). Notre Dame hasn’t covered either of its spreads, but they’ll try again as 7.5-point favorites on betting apps.

The Irish are a few bounces shy of an 0-2 straight-up record. You think they have our trust to cover a spread larger than a touchdown? Not yet. Grab Purdue and the points at FanDuel Sportsbook.

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Purdue vs. Notre Dame Totals

Purdue’s defense hasn’t been tested yet, so the fact the Boilermakers have gone under in both games doesn’t reveal very much. On the other side, the Irish have hit the over in both of their matchups.

With a 58.5-point total, we like the over to hit. Purdue might be missing its top running back, but Jeff Brohm’s team is a pass-heavy offense anyway. And Notre Dame has a chance to get even more creative with its two quarterbacks, which could lead to a big day on the scoreboard.

Take the bet at -115 with DraftKings .

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