Northwestern (3-5, 1-4 in Big Ten) will face Purdue (1-6, 0-4) this Saturday at noon ET on BTN. The current betting odds from BetMGM show Purdue favored by 1.5 points. Historically, Purdue leads the matchup with a series record of 53 wins, 34 losses, and one tie.
Both teams are in desperate need of a victory as they struggle in the Big Ten standings. Purdue currently sits at the bottom of the conference, while Northwestern finds itself just one game ahead, among a group of four teams. The Wildcats are looking to break a two-game losing streak and have suffered four losses in their last five games. They also aim to secure their first win at Ross-Ade Stadium since the 2020 season. Meanwhile, Purdue is still in search of its first victory against an FBS team this year and is eager to capitalize on the time off they had last week.
A crucial individual matchup to watch will be Northwestern quarterback Jack Lausch against the Purdue run defense. Lausch has shown the ability to keep defenses guessing with his mobility, although this has not translated into significant yardage or points. Purdue’s defense has been struggling, allowing an average of 214.9 rushing yards per game, making them vulnerable to a quarterback who can take advantage of this weakness.
In terms of key players, Northwestern’s A.J. Henning stands out. After a quiet start to the season, the fifth-year receiver, who previously played for Michigan, has found his rhythm. He has recorded 32 receptions for 296 yards and three touchdowns over his last five contests. Just a few more stats will help him achieve new personal bests for a single season: 10 more catches, 40 more yards, and two additional touchdowns.
On the Purdue side, both Ryan Browne and Hudson Card will see action this weekend as announced by Coach Ryan Walters. The specifics of how the two quarterbacks will be rotated remain unclear. Browne adds a strong dual-threat capability, while Card is the player Walters sought after taking the position at Purdue in December 2022.
Several facts and figures highlight the current state of the teams: Northwestern’s lone home victory this season came against Eastern Illinois, an FCS team, while their only success on the road occurred at Maryland. Meanwhile, the Boilermakers have not hosted a Saturday game since their match against Nebraska on September 28. Northwestern’s average rushing yards per game sit at 110.9, ranking them second lowest in the Big Ten, only ahead of Minnesota’s 108.0. Last season, Purdue dominated their matchup against Northwestern by rushing for 303 yards. Northwestern boasts a positive turnover margin of plus-three, placing them tied for 40th in the nation, while Purdue has made the most of special teams this season by blocking three kicks, including two field goals and one punt.