Purdue @ Ohio State preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 12, 2011 ) Ohio State 23, Purdue 26

As Braxton Miller's Heisman Trophy chances continue to rise, so does Ohio State's point total. The undefeated Buckeyes, who have scored 115 points in their last two games, host Purdue on Saturday. While Ohio State is not eligible to play in a bowl game or win a championship, it has clearly stamped itself as the best team in the Big Ten. And Miller, a sophomore quarterback, has led the Buckeyes to that distinction with 912 rushing yards - sixth in the country, including 335 in his last two games. Purdue has lost two straight - both at home - in blowout fashion, and appears to be in for another long day against the No. 8 rushing attack in the nation.

TV: 12 p.m. ET, ABC or ESPN2. LINE: Ohio State -17

ABOUT PURDUE (3-3, 0-2 Big Ten): The Boilermakers brace for Miller and Co. with the No. 97 rushing defense in the country. Purdue yielded an eye-popping 467 yards on the ground in its 38-14 loss to Wisconsin last week, one game after allowing 304 in a 44-13 setback to Michigan. With three healthy quarterbacks for the first time, coach Danny Hope used all of them last week, but said Caleb TerBush offers the most experience and gives the Boilermakers the best chance to win. TerBush has completed 61.2 percent of his passes with eight touchdowns and six interceptions. Purdue has lost eight straight and has been outscored 238-64 at Ohio Stadium since a 31-26 victory in 1988.

ABOUT OHIO STATE (7-0, 3-0): The Buckeyes won at Indiana 52-49 last week after allowing two touchdowns in the final 1:40. Miller, who rushed for 149 yards, has completed 60.4 percent of his passes this season with 11 touchdowns and four interceptions. Miller's career-high 186 rushing yards came in a 63-38 victory over Nebraska on Oct. 6. Miller's nine rushing touchdowns lead the team, while running back Carlos Hyde has seven. Devin Smith is Miller's deep receiving threat with six touchdowns among his 21 catches (21.8-yard average). The Buckeyes are last in the Big Ten in pass defense at 277.7 yards per game, but Bradley Roby has two interceptions and leads the conference in pass breakups with 2.3 per game.

EXTRA POINTS

1. While the Buckeyes won't appear in the BCS standings or USA Today Poll, they are No. 7 in the Associated Press Poll.

2. Purdue WR Antavian Edison has a catch in 27 straight games. He leads the Boilermakers with five touchdowns among his 31 receptions.

3. Miller needs 88 yards to become the first Ohio State QB to rush for 1,000 yards in a season.

PREDICTION: Ohio State 48, Purdue 31