Eastern Michigan @ Purdue preview
Ross-Ade Stadium
Purdue looks to get back on the winning track when the Boilermakers host Eastern Michigan on Saturday. Purdue is coming off a last-second 20-17 defeat at No. 22 Notre Dame and also lost quarterback Robert Marve. The sixth-year senior, who was granted an extra year of eligibility this season, will miss several weeks after suffering the third torn ACL injury of his career late in the fourth quarter. The winless Eagles are coming off a 31-14 loss to FCS member Illinois State and are 0-29 against current members of the Big Ten.
TV: 12 p.m. ET, Big Ten Network. LINE: Purdue -24
ABOUT EASTERN MICHIGAN (0-2): The Eagles are making their second trip to central Indiana in three weeks after opening with a 37-26 Mid-American Conference loss to Ball State. Eastern Michigan was outscored 21-0 in the second half last week versus Illinois State and committed five turnovers, nine penalties and had a field goal blocked. The Eagles rank 118th of 120 FBS schools in rushing defense, allowing 272.5 yards per game, and 106th in total defense.
ABOUT PURDUE (1-1): Caleb TerBush, who was suspended for the opening 48-6 victory over Eastern Kentucky, started against Notre Dame, and shared the quarterback duties with Marve. TerBush threw the game-tying touchdown pass with 2:17 remaining. Receiver Antavian Edison caught six passes for 50 yards and two touchdowns against Notre Dame. All-America candidate Kawann Short has three sacks in two games and the senior defensive tackle needs one more sack to move into ninth on the all-time Purdue list.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Eastern Michigan coach Ron English, the 2011 MAC Coach of the Year, was 3-0 against Purdue when he was an assistant as Michigan from 2003-07.
2. Purdue punter Cody Webster was named the Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week after averaging 43.3 yards on seven punts at Notre Dame. Six of his seven kicks were downed inside the 20.
3. This is the second meeting: Purdue rolled 49-3 in 1991.
PREDICTION: Purdue 48, Eastern Michigan 17