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Heavy underdog Purdue will struggle to find answers vs. mighty Michigan

On3 imageby:Tom Dienhart•10/30/23•

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(Chad Krockover)

The losses are mounting. And so are the questions for Purdue as it prepares to take on a white-hot Michigan team on Saturday.

The Boilermakers have lost three in a row, searching for answers to what’s becoming a lost season. They figure to find few–if any–vs. a Michigan squad (8-0 overall; 5-0 Big Ten) that ranks No. 2 in the nation and is thinking Big Ten title … and national championship. A loss would knock the Boilermakers (2-6; 1-4) from bowl eligibility. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC.

Can Purdue–a 32.5-point underdog in most sports books–crack Michigan’s unbeaten code?

“If you got an answer how to crack it, let me know,” said Ryan Walters. “There have been a lot of people struggle this year. I think what’s unique about Michigan in its entirety as a program is, yes, they have really good players. They also have a really good scheme on offense, defense and special teams. So, they pose problems and try to take away what you’re good at. They’ve got really good players that are able to do so.”

The Wolverines will play the game against the backdrop of an investigation into an alleged deep and sophisticated sign stealing operation that’s threatening to tarnish their season. Will that dark cloud impact the Wolverines, who were off last week?

“I’m not sure,” said Walters. “My focus is on us and our team. Obviously, we’re very aware of what the allegations are out there.

“We’ll plan accordingly.”

Purdue has its own issues to deal with. Chief among them: An offense that’s floundering. How tough has the sledding been? The Boiler attack has generated only 28 points total the last three games.

The line has been racked by injury. The latest blow: The loss of No. 1 left tackle Mahamane Moussa to a season-ending ankle injury last week. Purdue is now without its top two tackles, as Marcus Mbow was lost earlier this season to an ankle injury. The No. 1 tackles are now Ben Farrell, a 2023 NAIA transfer, and Daniel Johnson, who transferred from Kent State last year.

The o-line tumult has impacted QB Hudson Card, who hasn’t passed for 300 yards since the Sept. 16 loss to Syracuse. Know this: Michigan hasn’t given up 200 passing yards in any game this season. Want more Michigan defensive awesomeness? The Wolverines are No. 1 in the nation in total defense (226.8 ypg); No. 1 in scoring (5.9 ppg); No. 7 vs. the run (85.8 ypg) and No. 1 vs. the pass (141.0 ypc).

“When they are out of position, albeit a few times, they’ve got guys that can make up for it and overcome some of the maybe schematical errors or mental errors throughout the course of a play,” said Walters.

“I think that’s what makes Michigan special right now. You know, I’m excited to game plan for it and go compete against them in a great environment.”

The Boiler defense will have its hands full, too, trying to contain Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy, a legit Heisman contender.

“Very talented,” said Walters. “Can make every throw. Can get you out of trouble with his legs on the ground. … Last year he had some questionable decisions at times and tried to make hero plays at times that kind of got them in trouble offensively. You don’t see him making those mistakes this season.”

And that makes Purdue’s task a very tall one in Ann Arbor. Are team spirits being buoyed?

“That’s my job as the head coach,” said Walters. “I found, especially with this team, you have to let them ride the highs throughout the course of the game and some of the momentum plays. I think we feed off that when we do have some momentum, and it’s my job when we get into the lows to bring us out of there.

“I’m human. I have the same human emotions, but as the leader, as the head coach, I have to look at the program in its entirety and bring us out of those moments.”

MORE: First and 10: Purdue at Michigan | First Look: Michigan

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