With Purdue sitting in the Big Ten basement and Northwestern among a group of four teams just one game in front of the Boilermakers, Saturday’s game in West Lafayette, Ind., presents an opportunity for the two struggling programs to turn things around.
The Wildcats have lost two straight and four of five while seeking their first win at Ross-Ade Stadium since 2020. Purdue still is looking for its first win over an FBS team — and desperately needs something, anything to go right after a bye week.
Northwestern (3-5, 1-4 Big Ten) at Purdue (1-6, 0-4)
- Time/TV: 11 a.m. Saturday, BTN.
- Line: Purdue by 1½.
- Series: Purdue leads 53-34-1.
Key matchup
Northwestern QB Jack Lausch vs. Purdue’s run defense
Lausch’s legs have kept defenses off balance, even though it hasn’t resulted in many yards or points. Purdue’s defense is allowing 214.9 rushing yards per game, which could be a game-changer against a quarterback who can exploit that deficiency.
Players to watch
Northwestern: WR A.J. Henning has gotten his season on track after a slow start. The fifth-year player who transferred from Michigan has 32 catches for 296 yards and three touchdowns over the last five games. He needs 10 catches, 40 yards and two TDs to set career highs.
Purdue: Coach Ryan Walters announced Monday he will play both Ryan Browne and Hudson Card at QB this weekend, though it’s unclear how the rotation will work. Browne provides a stronger dual-threat presence. Card, a transfer from Texas, was the quarterback Walters wanted after he took the Purdue job in December 2022.
Facts & figures
Northwestern’s only road win came at Maryland. … The Boilermakers haven’t played a Saturday home game since Sept. 28 against Nebraska. … The Wildcats are averaging 110.9 rushing yards, the second-lowest average in the Big Ten ahead of only Minnesota (108). … Purdue rushed for 303 yards in last season’s victory over Northwestern. … The Wildcats have a plus-three turnover margin and are tied for 40th nationally at plus-0.38 per game. … Purdue has blocked a conference-high three kicks (two field goals, one punt).