2011 Old Oaken Bucket Game

            Indiana vs. Purdue is the rivalry in the state of Indiana, and one of the most heated rivalries in America.  The two universities have achieved about the same level of athletic success over the years, and the two are the premiere public universities in the state. They have been rivals ever since their existence, but that rivalry has been magnified because the two schools athletics programs compete against each other so often. There are four “traveling trophies”, like the Old Oaken Bucket. At the end of the season the “Crimson and Gold” Trophy is awarded to the school that has the most victories over the rival school.

            
            The Battle for the Old Oaken Bucket is a showdown that never gets any national media attention, mainly because both football teams are traditionally below average. This year is no different. That doesn’t mean it won’t be a fun game to watch though. Last year, both teams came into their final game with a 4-7 record and nothing to play for but pride. That game was won the Indiana Hoosiers in overtime, 34-31.

            
            The Hoosiers this season are a dismal 1-10. They have struggled all year to find success with new head coach Kevin Wilson. I.U.’s only victory is against South Carolina State. They have been beaten by Ball State and North Texas. Purdue has a 5-6 record and with a win against the Hoosiers they become bowl eligible. The Boilermakers best win was against Ohio State, but they also lost to Wisconsin 62-17.

            
            Both teams rely heavily on their mobile quarterbacks to score points. The Boilermakers typically use two quarterbacks to try and confuse defenses, Caleb TerBush and Robert Marve. TerBush has passed for 1600 yards and 11 touchdowns.  Marve has passed for 533 yards and three touchdowns. IU has used three different quarterbacks this season, Edward Wright-Baker, Tre Roberson, and Dusty Kiel. Obviously none of these guys have been able to produce a lot of offensive success. Roberson has started the past four games and will most likely get the start against Purdue.

            
            The Purdue Boilermakers and Indiana Hoosiers football teams face off for the 114^th time Saturday in Bloomington.  Check out the game on the Big Ten Network at 3:30 on Saturday.

My predicted score: Purdue-34, Indiana-28

UPDATE: Purdue beat Indiana 33-25 to win the 2011 Old Oaken Bucket and become bowl-eligible.