Ohio State Football: Big Ten bowl game predictions

COLUMBUS, OH - SEPTEMBER 1: Acting Head Coach Ryan Day of the Ohio State Buckeyes cheers as his team takes the field for warm ups before playing against the Oregon State Beavers at Ohio Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /

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WEST LAFAYETTE, INDIANA – NOVEMBER 17: Rondale Moore #4 of the Purdue Boilermakers makes a catch in the third quarter against the Wisconsin Badgers at Ross-Ade Stadium on November 17, 2018 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

Purdue vs. Auburn

I really want to pick Purdue in this game. I think the Boilermakers will be the more motivated team.

I think Gus Malzahn will play several quarterbacks to see which one gives him the best chance for a successful season next year. I think Purdue is hungry to end this season with a win.

Will any of that matter?

Probably not.

What will matter is efficiency. Especially third-down execution.

Auburn’s offense really struggled on third down this year and Purdue’s defense was good at get off the field on third down.

If these trends hold true, Purdue wins. If not, Auburn wins.

The Tigers win a close game 31-27.

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