Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/180210
matchup preview: Purdue advantage? H PUS vs. Northern Illinois PURDUE PASSING GAME VS. NIU PASS DEFENSE If there was ever a phase of the game where the advantage here would go to "neither," this might be it. Purdue's passing game struggled terribly at Wisconsin — a running game would help — while Northern Illinois just allowed 450 yards and six touchdown throws to an FCS team, albeit a very good one. player to watch advantage? Purdue managed just 135 passing yards at Wisconsin, as Rob Henry wasn't nearly as accurate, for one thing, as he's needed to be, even on balls that were completed. H PUS PURDUE running GAME VS. NIU rush DEFENSE Until Purdue can get a productive running game going, it is going to be severely limited on offense. Purdue hasn't rushed for more than 65 yards vs. an FBS opponent yet this season. NIU isn't particularly strong against the run, so maybe this is the week the Boilermakers do something. Obviously, when a running game stalls, it's an indictment of the entire offense, but Purdue needs to get Akeem Hunt in positions to turn the corner or hit creases. It hasn't happened yet. At all. NIU PASSING GAME VS. purdue PASS DEFENSE First off: We have to note that Purdue must first stop the run. If it can't do that, then it's going to have issues against the pass, no matter what. Lynch is very good and the Boilermaker secondary is very banged up. The Boilermakers' top defensive back, Ricardo Allen, is fighting through injury, as he's often done during his career. Purdue needs him out there badly, even if he's less than fully healthy. NIU running GAME VS. purdue rush DEFENSE Yeah, so last week didn't go so well for Purdue against Wisconsin, as the Badgers trounced the Boilermakers in the running game, again. Northern Illinois is very different but probably just as capable. Tackling will be crucial. Not only is Huskie quarterback Jordan Lynch fast and explosive, but he's extremely physical, as well. He will be a physical challenge for a defense that's struggled against such matchups. special teams H PUS boilers 27 NIU may be breaking in a new punt return man after A.J. Sebastiano was hospitalized Saturday. Otherwise, NIU has been very solid in the kicking game, with kicker Mathew Sims having made 7-of-8 kicks now. Purdue's been solid on special teams, too, though. If the offense keeps struggling, punter Cody Webster will be its best friend. Purdue has one of the best in the game and needs him so very much. prediction H PUS huskies Yes, we understand it doesn't look good on paper, but the last time Purdue played in Ross-Ade Stadium, it played its best game of the season. Its offense is struggling, but finds some relief this week in Northern Illinois, a significant step down from the defenses Notre Dame and Wisconsin put on the field. It is very simple, though: Tackle Lynch. 24 GoldanDBlack express • volume 24, express 5 • 13