GAME BREAKDOWN
KEY MATCHUP: Purdue had a tough time running the ball against Michigan State, and this week it takes on an Iowa team with one of the best rushing defenses in the country. Take away his 36-yard run and D.J. Knox averaged just 2.5 yards on each of his other six carries. Purdue abandoned the ground game early against Michigan State, and David Blough then threw three interceptions against a Spartan defense that could freely focus on stopping the pass. If the backs can have better luck establishing the run against the Hawkeyes, it should help the entire offense operate more smoothly.
DRAFT SLANT
–S Jacob Thieneman continues to have an impressive senior season. He finished with 11 tackles against Michigan State, and added a pass breakup, a sack and a quarterback hurry.
ROSTER REPORT:
–CB Kenneth Major played against Michigan State despite an upper body injury. He finished with eight tackles, six of which were unassisted.
–DT Lorenzo Neal has been dealing with a lower body injury. It didn’t seem to affect him against Michigan State, however, as he forced a fumble and finished with six tackles.
–WR Rondale Moore hasn’t taken long to make an impression. The true freshman is one of 20 semfinalists for the Maxwell Award, which goes to the most outstanding player in college football.
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