Purdue (3-4 overall, 1-2 Big Ten) at Minnesota (5-1 overall, 2-0 Big Ten)
Minneapolis, Minnesota – TCF Bank Stadium (52,525)
Saturday 11:00 a.m. CT – BTN
As Homecoming approaches in Minneapolis, the entire state is abuzz with talk of the red-hot Gopher football team. The Maroon and Gold will look to continue their winning ways as they take on a tricky Purdue squad on Saturday. Although the Gophers are a big betting favorite, coaches and players know they can’t overlook the Boilermakers.
“So it’s a football team that we got to do a good job and we got to have great preparation this week,” said Jerry Kill. “I anticipate us doing that.”
PREGAME NOTES
Series History
In a very close all-time series, Minnesota leads Purdue 34-32-3. The Gophers have been dominant when playing at home against the Boilermakers, holding a 29-12-3 advantage in Minnesota. Purdue’s last victory in Minneapolis was back in September of 2007 where they won a shootout, 45-31.
Last Meeting
The two teams did not play last season but did so in 2012, with Minnesota winning in dominant fashion, 44-28. The contest was a breakout performance for the Gopher offense as they totaled 458 yards thanks to five receptions for 135 yards by former Gopher A.J. Barker and 134 yards on the ground by Donnell Kirkwood.
Season to Date
Purdue enters Saturday’s contest with a 3-4 record. The Boilermakers have victories over Western Michigan (43-34), Southern Illinois (35-12), and Illinois (38-27). The win over the Fighting Illini was the first Big Ten victory for head coach Darrell Hazell at Purdue. Last week, two fourth-quarter touchdowns by running back Akeem Hunt brought Purdue within seven points of No. 8 Michigan State before a late pick-six sealed the game, 45-31, for the Spartans.
Coaching Preview
Darrell Hazell is in his second season as the Boilermakers head coach. His first season at Purdue was atrocious—winning only one game—but his team has shown steady improvement this year. Prior to coming to West Lafayette, Hazell spent two seasons at Kent State where he compiled a 16-10 record. In 2012, he was named the MAC Coach of the Year after leading the Golden Flashes to 11 wins and their first bowl appearance in 40 years. Before Kent State, Hazell spent seven seasons as an assistant coach at Ohio State.
Matchup to Watch
As has been the case a number of times this year, a big key for the Gophers will be the play of their young defensive front, this week going against a big, strong Purdue offensive line.
“It will be a good challenge for us up front,” said Tracy Claeys. “I think they are better than the last two teams we played offensively in the Big Ten as far as their offensive line goes. It will be a challenge for us up front to keep our pads down and not give up movement.”
A key for the line will be keeping quarterback Austin Appleby contained. The dual-threat quarterback completed 65 percent of his passes against Michigan State last week and accounted for 278 total yards in Purdue’s victory over Illinois. Appleby has only been a starter the last two weeks, but the Boilermaker offense has looked much-improved.
“They’ve been more efficient in the throwing game,” said Claeys. “Also [Appleby] has scrambled for a couple really big plays and scored. With him back, I think they’re more dimensional run and pass‑wise. Much more efficient since he’s taken over at quarterback.”
Players to Watch
No. 24 Frankie Williams – A veteran safety with 23 starts under his belt, Williams spearheads a talented Boilermakers’ secondary. The 5-foot-9, 185-pounder has proven to be a playmaker throughout his career at Purdue. He has totaled seven interceptions, including a team-leading three picks this season. The versatile junior is second on the team with 52 and is the starting punt returner, where is he averaging 17.0 yards per return for the Boilermakers.
No. 8 Raheem Mostert – Like Williams, Mostert is a dangerous threat in the return game. The senior has taken two kick returns back for touchdowns—including a 100-yarder—and ranks second in school history with 1,898 return yards. He needs just 228 more yards to break Dorien Bryant’s school record. The 5-foot-11, 190-pound running back possesses elite speed; winning Big Ten titles in the 60m, 100m, and 200m. Like Jalen Myrick last week, Mostert has the ability to change the game in just one kick return.
“They got two dynamic backs that are scary,” said Kill referencing Mostert and Akeem Hunt. “If they break the crease, it’s over with. I mean, they’ve got one that runs the 100 meters, he’s a track athlete, just one of those guys that can get it over.”
Background
Location: West Lafayette, Indiana
Enrollment: 39,256
Conference: Big Ten
Mascot: Purdue Pete
Colors: Old Gold and Black
Coach: Darrell Hazell (2nd Season)