Purdue @ Rutgers preview

Two improving teams with bowl aspirations must put this one in the win column to reach their goal when Purdue visits Rutgers for Big Ten matchup on Saturday afternoon. Purdue attempts to even its league record after playing No. 5 Wisconsin tough in a 17-9 loss last week and starts a stretch of four straight games against teams at .500 or worse while the Scarlet Knights are coming off an important victory at Illinois.

The Boilermakers lean on a defense that has forced 15 turnovers, including nine fumble recoveries (tied for second in the country), and has allowed just 20 total points in two road games - none in the second half. “The rest of the season has to be about everybody digging deeper and grinding and finding a way to win,” Purdue coach Jeff Brohm told reporters. “If everybody gives forth more effort and tries to do their part, hopefully, good things will happen.” Rutgers rushed for 274 yards and rolled to a 35-24 victory over the Illini to snap a 16-game Big Ten losing streak last week and coach Chris Ash is hoping for consistency. “The challenge now for us is to be able to reset our focus and get ready for the next opportunity. … and be able to go play with the same energy, same passion, same physicality, and just execute better in certain situations,” Ash told reporters. “When a team is really on the hunt and really chasing to try to improve and be the best they can be, that’s what good teams do.”

TV: Noon ET, Big Ten Network. LINE: Purdue -9

ABOUT PURDUE (3-3, 1-2 Big Ten): Brohm told reporters he will keep using two quarterbacks even though sophomore Elijah Sindelar (52.9 completion percentage) has gotten most of the snaps of late while junior David Blough (68.9) did not attempt a pass last week. Sophomore running back Tario Fuller (foot) is expected to miss his fourth straight game after rushing for 261 yards in the first three contests. Senior linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley had 12 of his team-high 46 tackles against Wisconsin and sophomore linebacker Markus Bailey boasts 41 (career-high 10 solo tackles last week) to go along with three sacks.

ABOUT RUTGERS (2-4, 1-2): Junior Giovanni Rescigno replaced senior Kyle Bolin (three TD passes, six interceptions) at quarterback last week and threw for 89 yards while running for 41, but suffered an apparent knee injury and is considered day-to-day. Senior Gus Edwards rushed for a season-high 91 yards with two scores and freshman Raheem Blackshear gained 87 yards on just six carries, including a touchdown, against Illinois. Whoever is under center will be looking for top targets senior wide receiver Janarion Grant (15 catches, 162 yards, one TD) and junior tight end Jerome Washington (16, 141, one).

EXTRA POINTS

1. Grant needs 41 all-purpose yards to pass Brian Leonard (4,643) for third on the school’s all-time list.

2. Only seven teams in FBS have allowed more sacks per game (3.33) than the Boilermakers, who meet Rutgers for the first time.

3. Purdue’s junior TE Cole Herdman has gained a first down on all 11 of his receptions this season.

PREDICTION: Purdue 31, Rutgers 17