USC vs. Purdue live updates: Game score, analysis as Trojans, Boilermakers meet in early season Big Ten battle

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Game start update ... Let's play football!

Officials have announced that gates at Ross-Ade Stadium will open at 6:15 p.m. ET, with kickoff between USC and Purdue now scheduled for 6:45 p.m. ET.

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And ... more lightning

Storms continue to roll through West Lafayette, extending the delay for kickoff between USC and Purdue. Multiple lightning strikes were reported by CBS sideline reporter Jenny Dell on the broadcast, further pushing back any potential start time. Some fans in attendance have been ushered to nearby Mackey Arena in the meantime.

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Weather delay continues in West Lafayette

CBS sideline reporter Jenny Dell reported the weather delay in West Lafayette will continue after another lightning strike near the stadium. The earliest players from Purdue and USC could take the field is 4:05 p.m. ET with a potential 4:15 p.m. ET kickoff. A 30-minute delay is added if lightning is detected within 10 miles of the stadium. Teams are entitled to a 20-minutes warmup period.

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Purdue's rebuild

In the transfer portal era, roster overhauls have become commonplace. But the sheer volume of Purdue's transformation is staggering. Mostly out of necessity, the Boilermakers executed one of the most ambitious roster rebuilds in college football history ahead of the 2025 season, bringing in 82 new players. Fifty-two of them arrived via transfer -- the most of any Power Four program this year.

From the moment first-year coach Barry Odom and first-time general manager Brandon Lee arrived in West Lafayette, they faced the logistical challenge of managing an endless cycle of visits and recruiting pitches. Travel schedules had to be balanced against competing offers in a chaotic portal market, all while trying to restock an entire roster.

After bringing in 82 new players this offseason, new-look Purdue roster faces first real test against USC

John Talty

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Weather delay

Due to inclement weather in West Lafayette, the game will not start at the originally scheduled 3:40 p.m. ET kickoff. Officials are monitoring conditions and will provide updates as soon as a revised start time is confirmed.

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USC vs. Purdue prediction, picks

Purdue pulling off the outright upset would be one of the biggest surprises of Week 3, but the rebuilt Boilermakers could have enough to keep this Big Ten opener to a respectable margin. Their path is clear: shorten the game and limit USC's possessions. Purdue ranks 23rd nationally in called run play percentage (57.0%), while USC's defense has struggled against the run, sitting tied for 80th in success rate (60.8%). If Purdue controls the tempo on the ground, it can hang around longer than expected. Pick: Purdue +20.5

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Explosive offense

USC has feasted on overmatched opponents, leading the FBS in explosive play rate (25.8%) and offensive touchdowns (17) through Week 2. Wide receiver Makai Lemon is in the midst of a breakout campaign, ranking third nationally with 248 receiving yards to go along with 11 catches and two touchdowns. Whether Purdue's rebuilt defense can slow the Trojans' rhythm will be the question Saturday.

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Transfer influx

No Power Four team added more transfers in the latest portal cycle than Purdue. First-year coach Barry Odom brought in 54 newcomers to upgrade the starting lineup and bolster depth across the roster. The early impact has been most evident on defense, where the team's top seven tacklers through two games are all transfers. Linebackers Mani Powell and Charles Correa have combined for 18 tackles and 3.5 tackles for loss, including 1.5 sacks.

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Big Ten road woes

USC didn't get a warm welcome in its introductory season last year, dropping its first four conference road games before finally winning at UCLA in a crosstown matchup. The Trojans are aiming to avoid a repeat, and coach Lincoln Riley said Tuesday the team has reworked its game-week schedule and even switched the type of airplane used for road trips.

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USC vs. Purdue preview

USC looks to pick up its first Big Ten conference win outside Los Angeles when it travels to West Lafayette to face Purdue on Saturday at Ross-Ade Stadium.

The Trojans (2-0) have cruised through nonconference play, outscoring opponents 132-33 and piling up 755 total yards in last week's 59-20 win over Georgia Southern. Quarterback Jayden Maiava has been sharp through two games, completing 73.8% of his passes for 707 yards and six touchdowns. The offense has been balanced, with 12 different players reaching the end zone.

The Boilermakers (2-0) are off to their best start since 2021 under first-year coach Barry Odom, tasked with revitalizing a program that has just three Big Ten victories over the past two seasons. Running back Devin Mockobee, the lone returning starter from last year's backfield, already has three rushing touchdowns in 2025.

This will be the first meeting between the programs in 27 years. The last came in the 1998 season opener, when USC beat a Purdue team led by future NFL quarterback Drew Brees. With both teams largely untested against top competition, Saturday's Big Ten opener serves as an early-season measuring stick and USC's first road test.

USC vs. Purdue prediction, pick, odds, spread: Trojans seek Big Ten road win as Boilermakers eye breakthrough

Cody Nagel

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