The Michigan Wolverines take on the Purdue Boilermakers on Saturday night in the Big Ten Championship from Lucas Oil Stadium. These two didn't face each other this year and haven't played each other since back in 2017. For Purdue, a three-game winning streak to close out the season helped them clinch the Big Ten West title, while the Wolverines bring their own unblemished record into Saturday night. With Purdue having not won in this series since 2009, they'll be hard-pressed to spring the upset in this version of the game as well. Michigan looks primed to contend in the CFP but knows that it can't afford to let up in this one.
When the season started, many eyes the Boilermakers as the Big Ten West favorite, though a mid-season lull left some questions. A two-game losing streak, especially to rivals Iowa and Wisconsin, less than a month ago, had many off the idea that the Boilermakers could win the division completely. Their recent run of wins simply shows how fast the narrative can change, with their three-game winning streak setting the tone for this team as they head into the weekend. Taking on Michigan, let alone competing with them, is a big ask of this program, though getting to play them at a neutral site is something that can make a huge difference, while they look to spring the huge upset.
It likely doesn't help that the Boilermakers have a few injuries that they're continuing to navigate as they head into the weekend, especially on the offensive side. Luckily, the likely offensive absences will only hurt from a depth perspe ctive, though that could be huge against Michigan.
He split a triangle of Hoosiers. ??@BoilerFootball RB @devin_mockobee's highlight cutback TD is our Week 13 ???????? ???? ?????? ????????.
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— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) November 27, 2022
Purdue will have their hands full on both sides of the ball in this one and the running game will be what makes or breaks their upset bid. With the nation's 97th-ranked ground game, they will need to find ways to control the clock against Michigan, and the longer that they can keep the Wolverines off the field, the better their chance at the upset. Considering Michigan's success running the ball, Purdue will need to lean heavily on their own front seven to stop the run. If Aidan O'Connell (22 touchdowns, 11 interceptions) can find success through the air and take care of the ball, it could open up lanes for Devin Mockobee to continue to build on his recent run of success.