This is a game that could come down to whichever offense makes the less mistakes as turnovers have been an issue for both teams, especially at the quarterback position. Purdue has gone with a two-quarterback system in all but one game this season, with varying results. Between quarterbacks Elijah Sindelar and David Blough, they’ve combined for nine interceptions. Blough has slightly better numbers as he’s completed 70 of 105 passes, for 745 yards for eight touchdowns and four interceptions. Sindelar on the other hand, has completed 78 of 148 passes, for 907 yards, with six touchdowns and five interceptions.
Nebraska quarterback Tanner Lee, who took over for former quarterback Tommy Armstrong Jr., has had an up and down year as well. Lee has completed 132 of 240 passes for 1,709 yards with 13 touchdowns but a conference-high 10 interceptions, which is also tied for third highest in the FBS this season.
With the exception of last week, Purdue has struggled to get anything going in the running game since running back Tario Fuller went down to an injury in week three. He’s still the leading rusher for the Boilermakers coming into Saturday’s game. Running back D.J. Knox had a good game last week against the Rutgers rushing 13 times for 84 yards. Running yards might be tough to come by as Nebraska is ranked 69th in the nation in rushing defense.
The Cornhuskers might struggle to move the ball on the ground as well. Purdue is right behind them in rushing defense at 70th. Running back Devine Ozigbo has 76 attempts for 351 yards and a touchdown on the season. Fellow running back Mikale Wilbon leads the team with three rushing touchdowns on 59 carries for 254 yards.
Lee likes to spread the ball around and his top receiver going into the game is wide reciever Stanley Morgan Jr. Morgan has 33 receptions on the year for 540 yards and six touchdowns. Wide receivers JD Spielman (31 REC, 475 YDS, 2 TD’s) and De’Mornay Pierson-El (26 REC, 371 YDS, 4 TD’s) have also contributed in the passing game.
For the Boilermakers, they have six different receivers with 10 or more receptions and at least 150 yards receiving. Wide receivers Anthony Mahoungou, Jackson Anthrop and Gregory Phillips all have 20+ catches on the season.
Despite the records of both teams, this is a big game for both, as they’re both fighting for at least three more wins to become bowl eligible. Nebraska, with a win would still be second in the BIG 10 West division behind Wisconsin. Purdue is working to stay out of the basement of the West division.
