Minnesota @ Purdue preview

Last Meeting ( Oct 16, 2010 ) Minnesota 17, Purdue 28

THE STORY: The Boilermakers host the Golden Gophers on Saturday with both teams trying to erase bad memories from last week. Minnesota was demolished 58-0 by Michigan, while Purdue was trounced 38-10 by Notre Dame. Quarterback issues have plagued both teams. Purdue’s expected starter, Rob Henry, tore his ACL before the season. Minnesota has tried to use converted WR MarQueis Grey at QB. Purdue has been outgained in two of its four games, while Minnesota has been outgained in all five.

TV: Big Ten Network. LINE: Purdue -10.5

ABOUT MINNESOTA (1-4, 0-1 Big Ten): The Gophers could be without Grey again this week due to the toe injury he suffered against N. Dakota St. Freshman Max Shortell would start his second straight if Grey is unavailable. Minnesota could also be without starting senior CB/KR Troy Stoudermire for the second straight week. Coach Jerry Kill beat Purdue 28-21 in 2009 when he was coach at Northern Illinois.

ABOUT PURDUE (2-2, 0-0 Big Ten): After beating Middle Tennessee State and Southeast Missouri State, Purdue wants to take advantage of playing one of the Big Ten’s bottom feeders. Due to the injury to Henry, Purdue has alternated between 6’5” junior Caleb TerBush and senior Robert Marve, who returned from a torn ACL against SE Missouri St. Missed tackles hurt Purdue against Notre Dame, prompting coach Danny Hope to admit that the team doesn’t tackle in practice for fear of injuries.

EXTRA POINTS:

1. Last week, Purdue and Minnesota were outgained by a combined 678 yards.

2. Purdue is 7-3 in the last ten meetings, but the teams have split the last six, with the home team winning four.

3. Expect a whistle-filled game as Purdue has committed 34 penalties and Minnesota 35.

PREDICTION: Purdue 23 – Minnesota 10. Neither team has the capability to light up the scoreboard, but Purdue comes in much healthier than Minnesota and will have the home crowd.