For the first time this season, Purdue used one quarterback last week against Wisconsin, instead of the two-quarterback system they have used for most of the season. Quarterback Elijah Sindelar played the entire game. On the year, Sindelar has completed 63 of119 passes, for 769 yards with six touchdowns and three interceptions. He’s been without leading rusher, running back Tario Fuller, for the last three weeks due to an injury. Despite that, the Boilermakers are averaging 124.5 yards rushing a game. D.J. Knox has been the primary running back in Fuller’s absence and has 28 carries for 152 yards on the season so far.
Despite using a two-quarterback system for most of the year, the Purdue receiving corps have done a nice job. Wide receiver Anthony Mahoungou, tight end Cole Herdman, wide reciever Jackson Anthrop and tight end Brycen Hopkins all have 200 plus yards receiving on the season. Along with fellow wide receivers Gregory Phillips and Terry Wright, they all have double digits catches on the year. Purdue has 126 catches as a team for 1,481 yards and 13 touchdowns.
The Boilermakers run defense will be tested as Rutgers are ranked 58th in the nation in run offense, averaging 174 yards a game. In contrast, Purdue’s run defense is ranked 84th allowing 179 yards rushing a game. Running back Gus Edwards leads the way on the ground for Rutgers with 93 carries for 393 yards with four touchdowns. Rutgers running backs as a whole, have 238 carries for 1,044 yards and 14 touchdowns on the season.
Rutgers will need better quarterback play in this game. It will be interesting to see who gets the start. Quarterback Kyle Bolin has been the starter all year but was pulled in last week’s game against Illinois for quarterback Giovanni Rescigno. Rescigno responded by completing 5 of10 passes for 89 yards, while adding 41 yards on the ground on seven carries. For the year, Bolin has completed 73 of 133 for 711 yards with three touchdowns and six interceptions.
