Minnesota (3-2 overall, 0-1 Big Ten) at Purdue (1-4 overall, 0-1 Big Ten)
When: Saturday, 2:30 p.m. CT – West Lafayette, Ind.
Stadium: Ross-Ade Stadium (57,236)
TV/Radio: ESPN, KFAN 100.3
Series: Minnesota leads the series 35-32-3
Last Meeting: October 18, 2014; Minnesota won 39-38 at TCF Bank Stadium
Coach: Darrell Hazell (3rd season, 5-24)
National Championships: Minnesota (7); Purdue (0)
INSIDE THE GAME
Boilermaker Front Five
Purdue’s offensive success starts up front with a stout line. The Gophers’ experienced defensive line will have their hands full with Purdue’s moving company.
“They’re very aggressive up front in the offensive line,” said Tracy Claeys. “So a lot of people are more position blockers anymore up front on the offensive line. But their line gets off the ball, and they try to get after you.”
Getting Off the Field
There’s no question the Gophers have a strong defense this year. One area where that unit has struggled is on third down. Minnesota ranks 10th in the conference in opponent third down conversion rate—allowing opponents to convert 36.4% of the time. Getting the defense off the field is key heading into Saturday.
“I think we can get off the field a little bit more if we play better on third down,” said Claeys. “That will be our emphasis this week…You give up two or three extra ones a game, and that leads to about 12 to 15 plays extra that we’re having to play, and that’s time it takes away from the offense.”
Physicality
Despite trailing 21-0 against Michigan State last week, the Boilermakers rallied and fell by just three points, 24-21. Jerry Kill was impressed with Purdue’s physical play against the Spartans.
“They’re a team that’s getting better, and you know, I mean, they were physical against Michigan State,” said Kill. “They played very physical.”
Matchup to Watch
Minnesota run defense vs. Purdue running game: The Gophers defense will be tested on Saturday by a talented tandem of running backs. Markell Jones, who is having a sensational freshman campaign, leads the Boilermakers’ rushing attack. The 5-foot-11, 207-pounder dominated Michigan State last week—rushing for 157 yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries. Jones—who is averaging almost seven yards per carry—has yet to be stopped for a loss in 60 rushing attempts.
“He’s a very confident young man,” Purdue head coach Darrell Hazell said of Jones. “Extremely confident. It’s nothing boastful, but he is extremely confident in his abilities and the things that he’s capable of doing.”
Jones is joined in the backfield by sophomore, D.J. Knox. The two gifted runners have combined for 840 total yards of offense and seven touchdowns.
“We feel very confident with both of those guys with the ball in their hands,” Hazell said. “I think they both bring a little bit different things to the table. We can’t get either one of those guys enough touches.”
STORYLINE CENTRAL
The Indy Star’s Mike Carmin has a great notebook on all things Purdue football. It’s definitely worth the time to help get up to speed on the Boilermakers.
Carmin also profiles Purdue’s offensive youngsters, redshirt freshman quarterback David Blough and true freshman running back Markell Jones.
Kassie Darding of the Purdue Exponent details the Boilermakers’ concerns over the strength of the Gopher defense.
Andy Greder of the Pioneer Press has the latest on the Gophers’ kind of…sort of…not really…quarterback situation. Kill was hesitant to give any indication how Minnesota will use Mitch Leidner or Demry Croft.
WHO WINS?
The Gophers Win If…
They can score quickly. Minnesota’s offense has struggled all season but especially in the first quarter where the Maroon and Gold have scored just three points. It’s been a pretty easy plan for Purdue’s opponents: score first and you win. All of the Boilermakers’ losses came after being down at least seven points early, while their lone victory saw Purdue jump out to the lead.
“It’s been a struggle,” said Limegrover about the first quarter scoring difficulties. “It’s hard. We’re trying to find different ways before that ball is even kicked off to try to get those guys going a little bit because it’s like there’s tentativeness to it. Some of that has come out of the couple of those opponents not knowing what was going on. But now you get to the point where now you do have a better idea. So that’s all part of the confidence thing of, hey, let’s go out, and let’s get on this thing quickly.”
The Boilermakers Win If…
They can catch the Gophers’ defense off-guard. Purdue throws lots of different looks at opponents which could pose a problem if Minnesota is forced to play a handful of younger players on the defensive side of the ball.
“It’s a challenge to get lined up upright and make the call from — most of the formations are unconventional,” said Claeys. “There’s some way they’re imbalanced in some ways. So you don’t know where the eligible receivers are. You’ve got to pay attention to who’s on the line, who’s off the line, and the motion adjustments you make. It’s a challenge to get ready for in a week.”