Purdue Preview 2012

Michigan, 2-2, goes on the road to West Lafayette, IN for the Big Ten Opener against the Boilermakers, 3-1. Both team lost to Notre Dame. The Wolverines hold the edge in Ross-Ade Stadium with 12 wins in 19 games, and leads the series with 43 wins in 57 games. Purdue's Danny Hope is 1-2 against Michigan, and his record since he became head coach is 19-22; he has logged 10 years overall in West Lafayette coaching.

On offense, they have averaged 51 points per game against Marshall, Eastern Michigan and Eastern Kentucky, but the Boilermakers could only score 17 points against Notre Dame's defense. At quarterback, 5th year senior Caleb TerBusch gets the call for injured Senior Robert Marve. Junior Rob Henry is his backup. One of six Boilermaker Captains, TerBusch is 51 of 80 with 7 TDs and 4 interceptions for 531 yards which ranks him 6th in the Big Ten in passing efficiency. The Boilermakers are 10 of 14 in red zone efficency with 7 TDs, 3 turnovers, a missed field goal and 3 field goals. Purdue is 58% on 3rd down efficiency. His favorite targets are Junior O.J. Ross and Senior Antavian Edison along with Junior Gary Bush. Sophomore Raheem Mostert will also get reps at wideout especially on end arounds. Junior Tight End Gabe Holmes has 9 catches in 4 games. They throw a lot of screens and short passes to spread the defense. Their running back is Senior Akeem Shavers; he averages 60 yards per game. Sophomore Akeem Hunt and 258 lbs. Sophomore Brandon Cottom may also log carries. The Purdue offense is averaging over 200 yards on the ground per game behind an experienced offensive line led by 5th year senior Left Guard, Peters Drey, and Senior Center Rick Schmeig. Junior Detroiter Devin Smith is the Right Guard, Junior Trevor Foy is the Right Tackle and Junior Justin Kitchens is the Left Tackle. Kevin Pamphile may also get reps at tackle. Brennan Beyer is back for this tilt on the Wolverine side, but Nate Brink is out indefinitely. Hopefully with two weeks off to prepare for this one, the defense will be prepared and create turnovers.

Purdue is strong on defense! They are led by Senior All-American defensive tackle and Outland Trophy candidate, Kwanan Short. Short has 4 sacks, 7 tackles for loss, a tipped pass, a forced fumble and 3 blocked kicks so far in 4 games. Junior Bruce Gaston is the other defensive tackle. Sophomore Ryan Russell and Junior Ryan Isaac are the defensive ends. Junior WILL Linebacker Will Lucas leads the team with 25 tackles. Sophomore Joe Gilliam is the MIKE Linebacker, and 5th Year Senior Robert Maci is the SAM Linebacker. Sophomore Jalani Phillips and Senior Antwon Higgs will also see action at linebacker. Junior "Ball Hawk" Cornerback Ricardo Allen leads the secondary with Senior Josh Johnson as the other corner. Johnson has 6 pass break ups in 4 games. Redshirt Freshman Nickel Frankie Williams has 19 tackles, second behind Lucas. Junior Normondo Harris will also see action. Sophomore Landon Feichter and Taylor Richards man the Strong and Free Safety positions. Senior Max Charlot will spell either if needed. The secondary has 8 interceptions in 4 games, 3 for TD.

Junior Cody Webster is the punter; he averages 44.1 yards per boot, and has nailed 10 of 15 punts inside the 20. Freshman Paul Griggs is the placekicker. Freshman Tom Meadows handles kickoffs. Raheem Mostert handles kickoff returns with Josh Johnson on punt returns.

Michigan will need to get their offense back on track if they are to contend for the division title. Our offense was supposed to be our strength this year, but in two losses, both Alabama and Notre Dame made our offense look weak. Obviously, we will need to reduce our turnovers on offense while creating turnovers on defense. Purdue is confident they can also contend for their divisional title so this start is important for both teams.

Michigan 38 Purdue 24