Northwestern at Purdue College Football: Everything You Need To Know

Even after suffering losses in its past two games, Northwestern’s season has taken on a positive tone of late. After a terrible start to the year (the Wildcats lost three of their first four games), Northwestern steadied its course with three consecutive victories. Their defeats in the past two weeks were both hard-fought battles against staunch opponents (Ohio State and Wisconsin). Saturday’s trip to Purdue should be much easier for the Wildcats.

Seeing as how Wisconsin boasts one of the most formidable defensive units in the country, Northwestern can be somewhat encouraged by the efforts of quarterback Clayton Thorson. The Wildcats only managed seven points, but Thorson threw for 277 yards and a touchdown and figures to improve on that performance against the Boilermakers.

The same can be said for Northwestern’s running attack, which was nonexistent against the Badgers (39 carries for a 2.1 yard per carry average) but should thrive against a Purdue defense that allowed 235 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns Saturday to Minnesota in a 44-31 defeat. Offensively speaking, the Boilermakers could keep up with Northwestern if quarterback David Blough can mimic his performance against the Golden Gophers (391 passing yards, 4 touchdowns).

Kickoff time: 11 a.m. CT
TV and radio: Big Ten Network, WGN Radio 720 AM
Point spread: Northwestern is favored by 13.5 points, according to scores and odds.
Tickets: Tickets are available at the Purdue football website.

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