Purdue at Michigan, everything you need to know
Michigan's Jason Olesnavage, center, is congratulated by teammates Will Heininger, left, last week after a field goal against Illinois. Entering Saturday's game against Purdue, Olesnavage is 8-for-9 in field-goal attempts this year.
Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com
WHAT: Purdue Boilermakers (3-6 overall, 2-3 Big Ten) at Michigan Wolverines (5-4 overall, 1-4 Big Ten).
WHERE: Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor.
KICKOFF: 12:01 p.m., Saturday.
TV: Big Ten Network.
RADIO: WOMC-FM 104.3, WTKA-AM 1050.
RUNDOWN: Last year, Michigan's bowl hopes mathematically ended with a 48-42 loss on the road against Purdue. This year, the Boilermakers could spoil the Wolverines' postseason hopes again.
True, Michigan will have two more chances to get a bowl-qualifying sixth win no matter what happens Saturday. But for all intents and purposes, the Purdue game represents the Wolverines' best chance at victory over the final three games.
Here's a recap of our coverage heading into the game:
Friday
- It boils down to this: Michigan enters a must-win game against Purdue.
- Historically, Purdue hasn't fared well at Michigan Stadium.
- For Argument's Sake: Dave Birkett and Michael Rothstein predict the outcome.
- Wide receiver Martavious Odoms will miss Saturday's game against Purdue.
- Michigan could benefit from muddy Big Ten bowl picture.
- Ohio State will wear throwback uniforms against Michigan to honor '54 team.
- Penn State student group apologizes for T-shirts that mocked Terrelle Pryor.
- Kevin Leach still starting at linebacker for Michigan; Obi Ezeh not sulking.
- Capsule previews of every Big Ten game, including Ohio State-Penn State.
- Analysts say subpar defense is the root of Michigan's problems.
- Is "The Victors" a borrowed song?
- Purdue, coming off its worst season, expects better against Michigan.
- An update on Brandon Minor's health, plus other practice notes.
- Opinion: While Rich Rodriguez rebuilds, he's relying on juniors and seniors.
- Q&A with offensive lineman Stephen Schilling.
- Big Ten clears left tackle Mark Ortmann to play against Purdue.
- Michigan looks for more physical play from its offensive line.
- Heisman-winning alum Charles Woodson: it hurts to see the Wolverines struggle.
- Rich Rodriguez talks about whether he'll add juco players to his recruiting class.
- Denard Robinson's cameo at receiver not the start of a position change.
- Student's view: Purdue will struggle against Michigan on Saturday.
- Rich Rodriguez backs ID kits for children.
- Poll: What should Mary Sue Coleman say to Rich Rodriguez?
- Michigan still haunted by failed goal-line series against Illinois.
- Big Ten investigating Mark Ortmann incident.
- Video: Rich Rodriguez talks about Brandon Minor, moving past Illinois loss.
- Rich Rodriguez pleads for patience with Michigan football program.
- Michigan president Mary Sue Coleman stands behind Rich Rodriguez.
- Live updates: Brandon Graham "could see" momentum shift against Illinois.
- Video: Big Ten standings, plus another look at Iowa's big rally against Indiana.
- Video: Big Ten Network presents its top 10 plays of the week.
- Did Mark Ortmann throw a punch at Illinois' Corey Liuget on Saturday?
- Birk's Eye View: Michigan football has mental obstacles to overcome.
- Cumulative Michigan statistics.
- Michigan's week-by-week boxscores.
- Cumulative Purdue statistics.
- Purdue's depth chart.
- Big Ten statistics.
- Big Ten standings and schedule.
- No. 16 Ohio State on the road against No. 11 Penn State.
- Time for Terrelle Pryor to step up and match his Buckeye predecessor.
- Terrelle Pryor: 'You're gonna have to kill me not to play.'
- The other quarterback: Penn State's Daryll Clark starting to heat up.Â
- Penn State-Ohio State prediction.
- Here's why Northwestern gives No. 4 Iowa fits.
- Iowa's Adrian Clayborn is a late-blooming leader for the Hawkeyes.
Comments
uminks
Sat, Nov 7, 2009 : 11:08 a.m.
We may have a lot of 4 star's on paper but no way do they play like 4 stars on the field. I can not blame RR until the kids who he recruits and are able to coach from freshman to upperclassmen perform. If they play like crap than I will blame RR, until then he will just have to do the best he can do with the players he has! It seems like a lot of fans out there have turned sour grapes! I will support the team even if they were 0-9 but they are 5-4, better than last season, and could clinch a bowl game today. Now go out there and support your team! Wow, in 1975 UM beat Purdue this same Saturday 24-0. The team was 6-0-2 that year due to earlier ties against Stanford and Baylor at the big house. May be the defense will finally put it all together and have a big game!!!!
Boilermaker75
Sat, Nov 7, 2009 : 10:05 a.m.
How about the Purdue victory over Illinois last week????
stan
Sat, Nov 7, 2009 : 7:20 a.m.
All you negative nancies might as well jump off the Michigan bandwagon. You spend waaaaaaay too much time complaining about the program and the PROVEN head coach. As I look out at a beautiful Ann Arbor morning that foretells the glory that the Michigan Football team will bring to itself and it's fans today, I can't help but think of you pathetic souls who inappropriately call yourselves fans who are hoping for the opposite outcome that us true fans desire.
Danny
Fri, Nov 6, 2009 : 9:01 p.m.
Way to go Theo 212 I'll buy that! You other guys, let's give the team a little more credit then that. Whatever can happen, will happen. Eventually! So this is the weekend that Michigan puts it all together? Michigan by six!!! Our defense gets a few breaks and holds on. Our offense is loose and potent. Won't know until tomorrow? GO BLUE ALWAYS!!! Dan from Georgia
MichNow
Fri, Nov 6, 2009 : 9 p.m.
I like your thinking azwolv. There is something missing at the top. I think his system can work, but richrod is dismissing the "we must win" attitude to "win when you listn to me" attitude. I want to believe in RIchrod, but he was brought here to compliment the program not become it!!
azwolverine
Fri, Nov 6, 2009 : 8:37 p.m.
I think there's a big problem inherent in pointing the finger at the talent, too, especially when it comes from the head coach. The whole comment this week about not understanding the limitations he inherited when he got here is a direct smack in the face to his players. When they lose, they take the blame. When they win, RR gets credit for winning with a bunch of losers. It's got to be hard for college kids, mentally, to rally around the coach when it is inferred that they are the problem, not him. For RR to get the players on his side and fighting WITH and FOR him, he's got to take full accountability and responsibility when times are tough, as great coaches do. THAT is the type of coach that players will spill their guts for. That, imo, is a problem that RR currently has with his team.
Macabre Sunset
Fri, Nov 6, 2009 : 1:49 p.m.
Funny, 4 and 5-star players seem to play better with other coaches. This is why Delaware State doesn't have much of a chance against anyone in Division I-A. If athletic talent meant less than 90% of the result in college football, the standings would change dramatically every season. They don't. It's all about recruiting in college football. Great programs have an easier time recruiting. It takes a coach as bad as RichRod to go 8-13 with the players he has available.
Allinformichigan
Fri, Nov 6, 2009 : 1:36 p.m.
When you watch the video up above you can see guys are out of position everywhere! Its not a lack of talent...they seem to not know what the hell ther doing!!! I mean we are in week what?? already?? seriously either these kids are stupid or the types of defenses coach is running is too complicated.
MichNow
Fri, Nov 6, 2009 : 1:23 p.m.
MY point exactly, they are capble of stepping up, but they aren't. Why? It's not one or two of them, it's almost the whole unit. When it's that many you must ask why? The Linebacker, safety and Stevie Brown continuosly play out of position.
Fresh121
Fri, Nov 6, 2009 : 1:15 p.m.
4 stars 5 stars dont matter players have to play that star stuff doesent hold alot of weight. Are front 4 are decent everyone behide them except warren here and there arent very good for whatever reason its time to step up and play like you stand for something not just urself. Enough blame this blame that step up and play top level ball you were brought here for that reason not to get a phd in dance or w.e these kids take today so they dont have to do work. Play football like men i dont care if ur 19 step up and play like you deserve to represent the wings! Go Blue
Allinformichigan
Fri, Nov 6, 2009 : 1 p.m.
Theo....very true I dont see where a lack of talent is? These are mostly four and five star guys. The Wolverine is the fiercest, toughest animal around, they say it fights until its death! I believed this to be true about wolverine football... they were never out of a game!!! Last weeks lose was devastating in the fact that the defense looked like they just plain gave up!!! A true Wolverine will come back fighting like a wounded animal and kick some Boilermaker @ss!!! If not something is certainly wrong! Go Blue!!!!!
MichNow
Fri, Nov 6, 2009 : 12:43 p.m.
Michigans Starting Defense High School Grades from Rivals.coms Brandon Graham 5 stars Craig Roh 4 stars Mike Martin 4stars Ryan VanBergan 4 stars Donavon Warren 5 stars Troy Wolfolf 3 stars Obi Ezeh 3stars Mike Williams 4 Stars Stevie Brown 4 stars Jonas Muton 4 Stars Not sure why everyones buying the lack of talent excuse? The depth is young, but not untalented. I could list several more Freshman Sophomore 4 stars recruits as well that are still on the roster. I dont believe its a schematic issue either. Richrod is obviously an xs and os guy! Its poor Leadership; from the top down.