GOPHERS OFFENSE VS.

BOILERMAKERS DEFENSE

Michigan State rushed for 294 yards against Purdue last week, so this could be another big day for David Cobb, who ranks seventh in the nation with 136.5 rushing yards per game. Everett Golson, C.J. Beathard and Connor Cook all had good passing games against Purdue, too. Advantage: Gophers.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Purdue junior Paul Griggs has hit on nine of 11 field goal attempts, including a 51-yarder, but Minnesota has been on a big special teams roll. Advantage: Gophers

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Austin Appleby replaced Danny Etling as Purdue's starting QB and led the Boilermakers on nine touchdown drives combined against Illinois and Michigan State. For his career, the sophomore has completed 61.6 percent of his passes with four TDs and two interceptions.

THE OPPONENT

Second-year coach Darrell Hazell has Purdue back on track after a 1-11 season in 2013. The Boilermakers played respectably in losses to Notre Dame, Iowa and Michigan State — teams a combined 16-2 this season. All three games were within two touchdowns.

GOPHERS DEFENSE VS.

BOILERMAKERS OFFENSE

The Gophers are tied for 15th in the nation in scoring defense, but this will be a stiff test. Akeem Hunt rushed for 177 yards against Illinois and averaged 8.0 yards per carry last week against Michigan State. Junior receiver Danny Anthrop had nine catches for 133 yards in that game. Advantage: Purdue

INTANGIBLES

Minnesota head coach Jerry Kill waves to the student section as he leaves the field after Minnesota defeated San Jose State in their NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2014 in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Andy Clayton-King) ORG XMIT: MNAK118

It's homecoming for the Gophers, and Purdue caught their attention last week, when it had the ball with a chance to tie late in the fourth quarter against Michigan State. Advantage: Gophers

JOE'S PREDICTION

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MINNPURDUE

Aside from last year's Texas Bowl loss to Syracuse, Gophers coach Jerry Kill's teams have handled the teams they are supposed to handle.