5 things to watch for Michigan football vs. Purdue

Purdue isn’t as bad as its record

The Boilermakers have struggled to put it all together this season and they haven’t done it often. They blew a lead late in the season opener against a 7-1 Fresno State team.

Purdue also beat a Virginia Tech squad that’s looking much better. it also beat Illinois 44-19. Hudson Card has had his moments this season. Purdue also has 13 rushing touchdowns.

You also wonder if Michigan football will have any rust to knock off after the bye week. I’m glad that the Wolverines have this game on the schedule before going to Penn State next week.

Kydran Jenkins has been a force for Purdue with 11 tackles for loss and seven sacks. Nic Scourton has 10 tackles for loss and five sacks. Michigan has struggled at times to protect but J.J. McCarthy has been stellar at avoiding the rush.

Purdue averages 1.6 takeaways per game. The Boilermakers forced four last week. The only somewhat close game this season for Michigan, outside of Rutgers, was Bowling Green, which turned over McCarthy three times.

If Purdue, with its pass rush, can force McCarthy into a mistake or two, it could have a shot to keep things competitive. Michigan football should win easily, but if Purdue plays its best game, it can make this one closer than people expect.