5 predictions for Michigan Football vs Purdue in Big Ten title game

Aidan O’Connell will keep it interesting

Michigan football fans shouldn’t be looking past Purdue at all. This is a scary game and Jeff Brohm is one of the best coaches in the country.

Frankly, he’s probably a better pure coach than Ryan Day. Day is a great offensive mind but he’s had the benefit of one of the most talent-rich programs in the country. Give him credit, the recruiting hasn’t fallen off, but in terms of Xs and Os, Brohm is as good as anyone.

That’s always scary in a situation like this — one game for a championship. Brohm also has a really good quarterback and the second-best pass offense in the Big Ten.

The running game is mediocre and stopping that will be key. Michigan’s third/fourth down defense was spectacular last week. The Wolverines will need to play well on third down again and in the red zone.

Charlie Jones is a dangerous playmaker and Devin Mockobee, the starting back and former walk-on is averaging 5.1 yards per carry and has over 1,000 total yards. Michigan football needs to contain those guys and hit O’Connell.

But I expect him to throw a couple of touchdown passes and have Purdue within 7-10 points at the end of the first half. It’s going to be a battle and if Michigan fans don’t know how good O’Connell is, they’ll get an idea on Saturday night.

I wouldn’t be surprised if he threw for 300 total yards, but hopefully, some of that is garbage time yardage as Michigan protects a lead late.