Purdue @ Michigan preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 13, 2010 ) Michigan 27, Purdue 16

THE STORY: Coming off a bye, No. 17 Michigan tries to get back on track at home against Purdue after its undefeated season was ended by Michigan State. Michigan, which had scored 28 or more points in its previous six games, was held to a season low in the 28-14 loss to the Spartans. The Boilermakers enter after defeating then-No. 21 Illinois 21-14. Purdue held on after building a 21-0 halftime lead. The Wolverines hold a 42-14 advantage in the all-time series, including a 27-16 win last year.

TV: ESPN2. LINE: Michigan -13.5.

ABOUT PURDUE (4-3, 2-1 Big Ten): QB Caleb TerBush has thrown for 1,127 yards and eight touchdowns — two of which came in last week’s win over Illinois. On the ground, Ralph Bolden and Akeem Shavers headline the Boilermakers’ 26th-ranked rushing attack, which averages 195 yards. Bolden and Shavers have combined for 723 yards and eight touchdowns for Purdue, which is looking for its first back-to-back wins. The Boilermakers have held opponents to 351 yards and 20 points.

ABOUT MICHIGAN (6-1, 2-1 Big Ten): Michigan, which has outscored opponents 242-103, is led by dual-threat quarterback Denard Robinson and his 20 total touchdowns. Robinson has 1,155 passing yards and has rushed for another 762, but he has also thrown 10 interceptions. Michigan, which has one of the best rushing attacks in the nation (12th), was held to 82 yards against the Spartans and gave up more than 10 points for just the third time this year. The defense ranks eighth nationally and has allowed just 14.7 points per game.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Michigan is 27-5 all-time at home against Purdue, but lost the last home meeting, 38-36 in 2009.

2. The Boilermakers haven’t won back-to-back road games against the Wolverines since the 1965-66 seasons.

3. Michigan has won seven of its last eight games following an off week. The Wolverines’ only loss came against Penn State last year.

PREDICTION: Michigan 37, Purdue 14 – The Boilermakers will struggle to contain Robinson and the high-powered Wolverines.