Penn State @ Purdue preview

Penn State at Purdue

Last Meeting ( Oct 15, 2011 ) Purdue 18, Penn State 23

After having its five-game winning streak snapped last week, Penn State looks to get back on track when it makes its first trip to Ross-Ade Stadium since 2008 to face struggling Purdue on Saturday. The Nittany Lions' win streak ended with a 35-23 home loss to Ohio State, but they have a prime opportunity to start a new streak against a Boilermakers team that has dropped four straight after a 44-28 loss at Minnesota. Purdue made a change at quarterback, announcing Robert Marve will start after throwing two touchdown passes in relief of Caleb TerBush last week. Marve will have to face a Penn State team that ranks 22nd nationally in total defense. Penn State has won five straight meetings; the Boilermakers haven't beaten Penn State since 2004. The Nittany Lions lead the series 11-3-1, including a 5-2 advantage in West Lafayette, but they have vacated eight of those wins.

TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPNU, ESPN3.com. LINE: Penn State -3.5

ABOUT PENN STATE (5-3, 3-1 Big Ten): Although the defense has been the anchor for the Nittany Lions, quarterback Matt McGloin is enjoying a strong season with 2,127 passing yards and 16 touchdowns against three interceptions. Penn State had put up 34 points or more in four of its five consecutive wins, two of which came on the road.

ABOUT PURDUE (3-5, 0-4): The Boilermakers have put up decent offensive numbers (30.9 points per game), but their defense has not held up its end, allowing 29.7 points per game. Purdue has a solid running game led by Akeem Shavers (432 yards, three touchdowns) and Akeem Hunt (328 yards, two touchdowns), but the struggling defense could be in trouble if standout defensive tackle Kawann Short (nine tackles for loss, four sacks) is unable to play because an ankle injury suffered last week.

EXTRA POINTS

1. McGloin has four career 300-yard passing games, which is tied with Kerry Collins for the most in school history.

2. Purdue WR Antavian Edison has a reception in 29 consecutive games dating to Oct. 9, 2010. Edison has 38 catches for a team-high 432 yards and six touchdowns this season.

3. Nittany Lions sophomore Allen Robinson has 52 catches, which is 11 shy of the single-season school record held by O.J. McDuffie (1992) and Bobby Engram (1995).

PREDICTION: Penn State 31, Purdue 23