Michigan @ Purdue preview
Ross-Ade Stadium
Last Meeting ( Nov 7, 2009 ) Purdue 38, Michigan 36
Michigan got some good news early this week when it learned that quarterback Denard Robinson was cleared to practice and play this week against Purdue.
Robinson, who is only 146 yards away from breaking the NCAA single-season record for rushing by a quarterback, was removed from last week’s Illinois game in the fourth quarter after complaining of headaches and dizziness. But after undergoing a battery of tests, the doctors said Robinson could play.
The elusive sophomore has rushed for 1,349 yards and could exceed the record of 1,494 yards set by Air Force quarterback Beau Morgan in 1996. But the success has come at a price: Robinson has been knocked out of three games this season, hurting his left knee against Bowling Green, his right shoulder against Iowa and suffering a near-concussion against Illinois.
Robinson leads the Big Ten in rushing - he’s the only player with more than 1,000 yards - and has scored 12 touchdowns. He’s also thrown for 1,814 yards and 13 touchdowns, completing 118 of 186 passes with seven interceptions.
Michigan (6-3, 2-3 Big Ten) is already bowl-eligible, but Purdue (4-5, 2-3) must win two of its last three games (Michigan, Michigan State, Indiana) in order to make the postseason. It’s not a stretch - Purdue has won the last two meetings with the Wolverines, even though Michigan leads the series 41-14.
The question may come down to health and whether the Boilermakers can piece together a respectable lineup. Freshman Sean Robinson became the third quarterback to start this season for Purdue and the first true freshman starter at the position since 2002. There were 11 freshmen, redshirt freshmen or sophomores on Purdue’s two-deep roster from a week ago.
It hasn’t hurt Purdue’s defense, which is led by senior tackle Ryan Kerrigan. He has 18.5 tackles for loss and leads the conference with 7.5 sacks. Kerrigan is a finalist for the Lombardi Award and a quarterfinalist for the Lott Trophy. He’s at the heart of a defense that ranks 49th in the nation against the run and 56th in total defense.
But Michigan’s offense won’t be easy to stop. A healthy Robinson is a handful. He leads the nation in total offense (351.4 yards) and Roy Roundtree is coming off a school record-setting 246-yard receiving effort against Illinois.