Can Michigan football stop the run?
Michigan's run defense is solid. The Wolverines are allowing 95 rushing yards per game. They are also allowing just three yards per rushing attempt.
So the run defense isn't a major concern. However, it hasn't been good enough. It definitely hasn't met the standard of Michigan football over the past four seasons.
USC rushed for 224 yards. The Trojans third-string running back had over 100 yards against Michigan. Michigan State, even though it finished with less than 300 total yards, rushed for 111 yards last week, which included a 49-yard run.
Three different teams have rushed for over 100 yards against the Wolverines this season. Purdue averages 141 yards per game, with an average of 4.4 per attempt. Devin Mockobee is still the top back but is averaging 4.2 yards per attempt on 125 carries. Containing him will be important.
If the Boilermakers are forced to be one-dimensional, it should be a long day. But if Purdue runs the ball, that's one way for the game to be closer than expected.