Preview and Predictions: Michigan football vs. Purdue

Michigan is headed back to Indianapolis for the second straight year.

The Wolverines are coming off a 12-0 regular season, and the maize and blue beat both rivals: Michigan State and Ohio State.

Last season, Michigan defeated Iowa in the Big Ten Championship, and this year the Wolverines will take on 8-4 Purdue.

Saturday will mark the first game between Michigan and Purdue since 2017.

The Wolverines marched into West Lafayette that year and took down the Boilermakers, 28-10.

Michigan holds a dominating lead, 45-14, in the series between the two teams.

The maize and blue have defeated Purdue four straight times.

Here is what to watch out for. Plus, our writers predict the outcome.

By the numbers: Stat comparisons

Scoring offense: Michigan 7th (39.8 points per game) Purdue 66th (28.6 points per game)

Scoring defense: Michigan 3rd (12.7 points allowed per game) Purdue 41st (23.1 points allowed per game)

Passing offense: Michigan 91st (214.6 yards per game) Purdue 21st (280.7 yards per game)

Passing defense: Michigan 11th (177.3 yards allowed per game) Purdue 59th (218.3 yards allowed per game)

Rushing offense: Michigan 5th (244.5 yards per game) Purdue 97th (125.8 yards per game)

Rushing defense: Michigan 3rd (84.8 yards allowed per game) Purdue 36th (128.7 yards allowed per game)

Total offense: Michigan 24th (459.1 yards per game) Purdue 52nd (406.5 yards per game)

Total defense: Michigan 2nd (262.2 yards allowed per game) Purdue 33rd (347 yards allowed per game)

Staff predictions Wolverines Wire staff writers Isaiah Hole and Trent Knoop share their thoughts on the game, two soft predictions, one bold prediction and the final score.

Isaiah Hole: Final score prediction Michigan 35, Purdue 20

Trent Knoop: -Soft predictions J.J. McCarthy has three total touchdowns Donovan Edwards runs for over 150 yards

-Bold prediction Aidan O’Connell throws under 200 yards

Final score prediction Michigan 38, Purdue 17

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