PLAYERS TO WATCH
–WR Rondale Moore won the Big Ten Freshman of the Week award for the second time in four weeks, following his eight catches for 110 yards performance against Boston College. He’s no longer a secret, but teams still can’t figure out how to slow him down. Moreover, as opponents devote more attention to Moore it opens things up elsewhere in the offense.
–QB David Blough had the “or” removed from his name on the depth chart, so he’s the starter this week against Nebraska following back-to-back strong performances. One thing he has to work on is getting rid of the football. He was sacked five times against Boston College, and not all were solely the result of protection breakdowns. Against a Nebraska team that has had success rushing the passer, he’ll need to make quick decisions and avoid negative plays.
–LB Cornel Jones has been the main disruptive force for the Boilermaker defense. Through four games, his eight tackles for loss is tied for the most in the Big Ten.
–LB Markus Bailey had 10 solo tackles against Boston College, by far his best performance of the season. For Purdue to rebound from its slow start to reach a bowl game, Bailey and the defense will have to continue to show the improved results that it did against the Eagles.
SERIES HISTORY: Nebraska leads Purdue 4-2. The Cornhuskers have won the last two, including a 25-24 victory at Purdue a year ago.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “(Rondale Moore) has carried his team whenever he’s been on it, been the focal point of that. Has handled it very well. Isn’t one of those guys that needs a lot of attention. He just goes out and works and makes play. You can see that when he scores touchdowns. He gives the ball to the referee because he’s been there numerous times before. He’s got a great work ethic. He came into camp with us and from day one, he’s been making plays, taking every rep.” — Coach Jeff Brohm, on his standout freshman wide receiver.