PLAYERS TO WATCH
–QB Tanner Morgan had a solid effort that was lost in the blowout to Illinois. He completed 14-of-27 passes for 258 yards with two touchdowns. In his last 10 quarters, Morgan has completed 42-of-67 passes for 774 yards and five touchdowns.
–WR Rashod Bateman had a career-high seven receptions for a career-best 175 yards and two touchdowns against Illinois. His TD catches of 61 and 86 yards made it the first multiple touchdown game of his career. Bateman’s strong play is a good sign heading into a tough contest against Purdue. It was his second consecutive 100-yard receiving game. He has caught 42 passes for 578 yards and six touchdowns this season.
–WR Tyler Johnson also had a productive game against Illinois and should benefit from Bateman’s big game. He hauled in five receptions for 68 yards to snap a streak of four straight 100-yard receiving games.
–LB Carter Coughlin has been one of the few positives this season. He will need to be a disruptive force against Purdue if the Gophers have any chance for a victory. Coughlin has nine sacks this season to rank fifth in the country.
SERIES HISTORY: Minnesota leads Purdue 37-33-3. Minnesota has won the last four meetings at home.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “Everything that I do, every decision I make is for those players moving forward and how we can find a way to continue to find success.” — Minnesota coach P.J. Fleck on firing defensive coordinator Robb Smith.