| If the key to football is being able to run the ball and stop the run, well, then, I don't know what to say about this one. Purdue is dead last in the Big Ten in rushing yards per game (64.7) and yards per carry (2.2), in conference games. Worst in the conference by 20 ypg and 0.7 ypc. The Northwestern defense matches them with the conference's worst run defense at 267.3 ypg and 6.0 ypc, worst by 80 ypg and 1.1 ypc. What I am interested to see is whether Purdue even attempts it. Only five teams in the FBS are running the ball less frequently than the Boilermakers, and recently, it's gotten even more extreme. Over the past three weeks, only Purdue and Nevada are averaging over 50 pass attempts per game. But the Wildcats are giving up nearly 56% of their yards on the ground, second in the nation only to Washington. I have faith that the Purdue offense can score some on just about anyone, the question is whether their defense can do enough. Against Michigan State, they did. Against Ohio State, no. While the Wisconsin defense can make anyone look bad, they have been at times gettable through the air, and yet Andrew Marty did absolutely nothing against them last week. He completed just 10-18 for 100 yards, but what is most concerning is how careless he has been with the ball in his last two games. Yes, he has only seen action in a few games, but this isn't some freshman you are building around, he's a 5th year guy, and yet in his last two games, Marty has 6 interceptions, and has taken 5 sacks. I think the Wildcats will put up some yards, but Kerrigan will make enough big plays, and the Purdue passing game is rolling right now. |