2020 Old Oaken Bucket Game: Purdue (2-4) at #8 Indiana (6-1)

To rescue the Old Oaken Bucket Purdue will have to put a damper on the greatest Indiana season in decades and get its first road win over a top 10 team in even longer. This is likely the best Indiana season since 1987, when they had a late game with Michigan State that decided the Big Ten title. In terms of ranking you have to go back even further, as they are int he top 10 this late in the season for the first time since 1967.

For Purdue, things are trending far worse. The Boilers have lost four in a row, all in games where they were favored, and we have not defeated a top 10 team on the road since winning at #2 Notre Dame 31-20 on September 28, 1974. Purdue has been surprisingly competitive in its last five road games against top 10 teams, however:

2018: Lost 17-9 at #7 Wisconsin

2016: Lost 27-14 at #8 Nebraska (post Hazell firing, led 14-10 at halftime)

2015: Lost 27-24 at #2 Michigan State (yes, with Hazell!)

2012: Lost 29-22 (OT) at #7 Ohio State

2003: Lost 16-13 (OT) at #4 Ohio State

So I suppose there is a chance, but Indiana has three wins over top 25 teams this year (albeit Penn State and Michigan have since plummeted). Purdue does have a win over a top 20 team in Iowa, and by the current polls that is the best win among these teams.

Purdue is going to have to play a damn lot better than it has in weeks.