Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/395551
GOLDANDBLACK EXPRESS • VOLUME 25, EXPRESS 7 • 32 Nov. 8, vs. Wisconsin Wisconsin entertains a .500 Il- linois team that is winless in its last four meetings with the Badgers. The Illini will be without quarter- back Wes Lunt, who broke his leg last week against the Boilermakers. Reilly O'Toole will make his second start in three weeks. Last Saturday, Northwestern dropped the Badgers 20-14 in rainy and windy conditions at Ryan Field. The Wildcats never trailed, yet Wis- consin managed to keep the game close throughout. With a chance to tie the game late in the fourth, quar- terback Joel Stave threw a red zone interception, allowing Northwest- ern to run out the clock and secure the upset victory. The Wisconsin offense relied primarily on junior running back Melvin Gordon, who recorded 259 yards rushing on 9.6 yards per carry. The passing offense, however, was abysmal as Stave was 8-for-19 with 114 yards and three intercep- tions. As a result, coach Gary Ander- sen announced he plans to use two quarterbacks this week against the Illini. Still, the prospect of the Bad- ger ground game going against Il- linois' rush defense has a lopsided game written all over it. THIS AND THAT R Hunt's 177-yard rushing yards was the 25th-best perfor- mance in Purdue school annals, and the best by a Boilermaker back in a Big Ten game since Montrell Lowe had 208 yards in 38 attempts in the Boilermakers' Rose Bowl- IN THE OPPOSITE CORNER Comments from last week's and this week's opposing coaches: Illinois coach Tim Beckman "Tackling was one of the big things. We had a couple short- yardage opportunities. We loaded the box to stop them. One was definitely a mishit; one of our linebackers was out of his gap. The second one, V'Angelo (Bentley) missed the tackle and they broke through him. "(Austin) Appleby was one that we recruited at the other place I was ( Toledo). I knew he had some great talent. He's a good football player. We knew that he would probably be seen." M i c h i g a n State coach Mark Dantonio "I think Purdue is an improved football team, do - ing a great job in a lot of different areas. The offense is much more pro- ductive than it was last year at this time. They played us extremely tough last year and I think the defense has improved, as well. Special teams is playing very well. "I think they are staying the course and trying to be more consistent. (Akeem) Hunt, No. 1 for them, the tailback ... is a pret- ty good player. They are more productive on offense when you look at their numbers now compared to their numbers last year. They are trying to find their way in the quarterback position. (Ap- pleby) did a nice job last week. They have some guys hurt a little bit, in and out." Michigan State OFFENSE Quarterback: Austin Appleby Running backs: Akeem Hunt, Raheem Mostert, Keyante Green Fullback: Brandon Cottom Wide receivers: Danny Anthrop, DeAngelo Yancey, Gregory Phillips Wide receivers: B.J. Knauf, Cameron Posey, Trae Hart Tight ends: Gabe Holmes, Justin Sinz, Dolapo Macarthy, Jordan Jurasevich Left tackle: David Hedelin Left guard: Jason King Center: Robert Kugler Right guard: Jordan Roos Right tackle: J.J. Prince, Cameron Cermin DEFENSE Defensive ends: Ryan Russell, Evan Panfil Nose guards: Ryan Watson, Ra'Zahn Howard Defensive tackles: Jake Replogle, Michael Rouse III Rush ends: Jalani Phillips, Gelen Robinson Weakside linebackers: Ja'Whaun Bentley, Danny Ezechukwu Middle linebackers: Sean Robinson, Garrett Hudson Strongside linebacker: Jimmy Herman Cornerback: Anthony Brown Strong safeties: Frankie Williams, Taylor Richards Free safety: Landon Feichter Cornerback: Antoine Lewis SPECIAL TEAMS Place-kicker: Paul Griggs Holder: Thomas Meadows Long-snapper: Jesse Schmitt Kickoffs: Griggs Punter: Meadows Kick returners: Mostert, Hunt Punt returners: Williams, Anthrop Others: Leroy Clark, Corey Clements, Jonathan Curry, Andy James Garcia, Da'Wan Hunte, D.J. Knox, Collin Link, Shane Mikesky, Myles Norwood, John Strauser PURDUE LINEUPS VS. ILLINOIS