Old Oaken Bucket Rivalry Renewed: Indiana Poised for Playoff Push Against Purdue

The storied Old Oaken Bucket rivalry takes center stage this Saturday as the No. 10 Indiana Hoosiers (10-1, 7-1 Big Ten) host the Purdue Boilermakers (1-10, 0-8 Big Ten) at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington. For the first time in the 126-game history of the rivalry, the matchup will be played under the lights, with a 7:00 p.m. kickoff on FS1.

This year’s game has significant implications for Indiana, which is aiming to solidify its case for a College Football Playoff spot. Meanwhile, Purdue is seeking to end a challenging season on a high note by playing spoiler to its in-state rival.

The Hoosiers enter the game as heavy favorites, riding one of the program’s best seasons in history. At 10-1, Indiana has already set a school record for conference wins and has positioned itself as a national contender. After dropping a tough game to Ohio State last week, the Hoosiers will look to bounce back with an emphatic victory in their regular-season finale.

On the other hand, Purdue has endured a difficult season, sitting at 1-10 and winless in the Big Ten. The Boilermakers have struggled on both sides of the ball, particularly against top-tier opponents, and face an uphill battle against a motivated Indiana squad.

The Hoosiers boast one of the Big Ten’s most balanced offenses, averaging over 430 total yards per game. Quarterback Kurtis Rourke has been a standout in his first season at Indiana, throwing for 2,478 yards and 19 touchdowns while maintaining one of the conference’s highest passer efficiency ratings. Rourke’s ability to manage the offense and deliver in key moments has been crucial to Indiana’s success.

In the backfield, the dynamic duo of Ty Son Lawton and Justice Ellison provides a powerful one-two punch. Lawton has rushed for over 900 yards and 12 touchdowns this season, while Ellison adds versatility as a dual-threat option, contributing over 600 yards on the ground and several key receptions. The offensive line, though tested by injuries in recent weeks, remains a key strength, opening up lanes for the running game and protecting Rourke in the pocket.

Indiana’s defense has been a cornerstone of its success, led by linebacker Aiden Fisher, who ranks third in the Big Ten with 102 tackles this season. Fisher’s ability to read plays and disrupt opposing offenses will be critical against Purdue’s tight end Max Klare, the Boilermakers’ leading receiver with 46 catches for 649 yards and four touchdowns.

The Hoosiers’ defensive line, anchored by Mikail Kamara, has excelled at pressuring quarterbacks, while the secondary has been opportunistic, recording key interceptions in tight games. Against Purdue’s struggling offense, Indiana’s defense will aim to dominate early and often.

The Boilermakers have had a season to forget, but tight end Max Klare has been a bright spot, showcasing his athleticism and versatility. Quarterback play has been inconsistent, with Purdue rotating players under center, and the offensive line has struggled, allowing 30 sacks this season. Purdue’s defense has also been porous, ranking near the bottom of the FBS in points allowed per game.

For Purdue to pull off the upset, it will need to play mistake-free football, control the clock with its running game, and find creative ways to exploit Indiana’s defense.

For Indiana, a victory keeps its College Football Playoff hopes alive. The Hoosiers are looking to impress the committee with a dominant performance, showcasing their offensive firepower and defensive tenacity. A win would also secure Indiana’s first 11-win regular season in program history and potentially a shot at the Big Ten Championship, depending on other results.

For Purdue, this game is about pride. While a win won’t salvage their season, upsetting their rivals and denying Indiana a playoff berth would be a meaningful way to cap off a tough year.

With a sold-out crowd expected at Memorial Stadium, the energy will be electric as the Hoosiers aim to keep their historic season rolling. For Indiana fans, this game is more than just a rivalry—it’s a stepping stone toward national relevance. For Purdue, it’s a chance to rewrite the narrative of their season and create a memorable upset.