Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/203451
matchup preview: Purdue advantage? PURDUE PASSING GAME VS. ohio state PASS DEFENSE The Boilermakers have struggled in every phase of offense, and obviously the passing game is no exception. Ohio State presents a formidable pass rush and will always be extremely physical at the line of scrimmage. Danny Etling must make sound decisions, and do so quickly, but must be protected better than he has been lately. Can the receivers get open? Buckeye corner Bradley Roby is one of the best in the business. vs. Ohio State player to watch advantage? Buckeye defensive end Noah Spence leads the Big Ten's most productive pass rush thus far this season. Purdue will be hardpressed to keep Ohio State out of the backfield. PURDUE running GAME VS. ohio state rush DEFENSE Purdue ran the ball at Michigan State better than it had in prior games, a bit of a surprise considering the Spartans' rep in that regard. Brandon Cottom gave Purdue a spark, but he's banged up. Let's see if the Boilermakers can surprise again. Opponents are doing next to nothing on the ground against the Buckeyes. Purdue would love to see Akeem Hunt, who was productive at Michigan State in averaging nearly five yards per carry, break one at some point, but that's not even come close to happening on running plays. ohio state PASSING GAME VS. purdue PASS DEFENSE Ohio State's passing game may not be its traditional hallmark, but it's been very good nonetheless. The Buckeyes, no matter who's been at QB, have completed 70 percent of their passes, with 24 touchdowns to just four picks. If Purdue's having a hard time against the run, look out for those big-play receivers, Corey Brown (seven touchdowns) and Devin Smith (six). Pass rush has been an issue for Purdue. QB Braxton Miller's showing against Purdue last season was a forgettable one, as the Boilermakers bottled him up before knocking him from the game. This year? ohio state running GAME VS. purdue rush DEFENSE Carlos Hyde is a wrecking ball and on a tear and Purdue's been one of the worst teams in the country against the run. It's Miller's running ability that presents the greatest challenge, however, as Ohio State will have multiple game-breakers in the backfield at once against a defense that has struggled to tackle against premier running teams. Last week, Purdue was better, but this is a different animal. Since returning from a suspension, Carlos Hyde's been outstanding for Ohio State. Fast and physical, he'll be very difficult for Purdue to get — and keep — its arms around. special teams Let's see: Ohio State hasn't missed a kick of any kind this season; trails only Purdue in punting in the Big Ten; and has two of the most dangerous return men in the league in Brown (punts) and Dontre Wilson (kickoffs). The Boilermakers saw a run of solid kicking come to an end at Michigan State, when they was 0-for-2 on field goals. Punter Cody Webster was awesome in East Lansing, though. boilers 10 Sophomore Paul Griggs had been kicking fairly well prior to Michigan State. The 51-yarder into the wind was a tough spot, but the 41-yarder was the Boilermakers' best chance to score on the day. prediction BUCKEYES Ohio State is rolling and could be out for blood as it hopes to move up in the BCS. If the Buckeyes show up — like they haven't once or twice lately against the Boilermakers — all signs would point to the 31-point road favorites living up. 41 GoldanDBlack express • volume 24, express 8 • 13