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GOLDANDBLACK EXPRESS • VOLUME 25, EXPRESS 9 • 13 MATCHUP PREVIEW: Purdue vs. Nebraska ADVANTAGE? PURDUE PASSING GAME VS. NEBRASKA PASS DEFENSE PLAYER TO WATCH ADVANTAGE? Here's the scary part of this matchup for Purdue: Nebraska's front four. The Cornhusk- ers have not been a big blitzing team, because they haven't had to be, able to rely on an outstanding defensive line to pressure the quarterback on its own. Purdue's passing game has done some really good things the past few games, but it has struggled to protect on deep dropbacks. Opponents are completing just 48 percent vs. Nebraska and have thrown more picks (nine) than touchdowns (eight). One of college football's most feared edge rushers, Randy Gregory will provide the Boilermaker offensive front a constant worry and a presence that must be accounted for on every snap. PURDUE RUNNING GAME VS. NEBRASKA RUSH DEFENSE The Boilermakers' speed in the backfield could give Nebraska problems. The Cornhusk- er defense has been prone to give up the occasional big play, especially against the run. Purdue will obviously want to make sure that trend continues. It'll need its offensive line, though, to play its most physical game of the year in all likelihood. While so much attention has been paid to the quarterback position, Akeem Hunt's been a huge part of the Boilermakers' offensive turnaround and they'll need him to keep it up to have a chance. NEBRASKA PASSING GAME VS. PURDUE PASS DEFENSE Purdue has given up way too many big plays in the passing game for the better part of a month now and Nebraska has all the makings of a team that can twist the knife even more. Purdue will have to go all out to slow a dominant running game, making it vulnerable to play-action. QB Tommy Armstrong has a big-time arm and some big-time weapons. Last time Purdue faced a wide receiver of this caliber, Michigan State's Tony Lippett ran wild. Kenny Bell hasn't had a huge season with Nebraska dominating on the ground, but he may be due for a big game. NEBRASKA RUNNING GAME VS. PURDUE RUSH DEFENSE Yikes. Purdue has really regressed in its run defense the past two games. Both games, of course, were against great running teams. Now comes the best, on the road no less. Ameer Abdullah leads the NCAA in rushing. Backup Imani Cross is a load, as well, and Armstrong is effective on option keepers. It could get ugly. Among the thousand things Purdue will have to do to have a chance at Nebraska is tackle. Freshman Ja'Whaun Bentley has been great this season. No room for slippage this week. SPECIAL TEAMS Nebraska hasn't been a great kicking team, but it is very dangerous in the return game. Abdullah averages 25 yards per kickoff return and De'Mornay Pierson-El has returned two punts for touchdowns. Not only does Purdue need to attain solid field position but also keep the ball away from Pierson-El. Punter Thomas Meadows and punt coverage has been stellar this season. CORNHUSKERS PREDICTION BOILERS We just don't see how Purdue can stop Nebraska's running game. It's really as simple as that. The Cornhuskers are dominant on the ground; lately, the Boilermakers have been getting dominated on the ground. We'll see if the offense can sustain its momentum as well, coming out of bye week. 21 35