Northwestern vs Purdue GameThread

Coming off a big come-from-behind win last week against Penn State, Northwestern looks to win its third straight game, as the Wildcats host the Purdue Boilermakers (2-7, 1-4) in a Week 11 clash.

The Wildcats will have Clayton Thorson running the offense after the redshirt freshman left last week with what was deemed a "lower body injury." Additionally, the Wildcats will look to keep Justin Jackson on track after the sophomore ran for a career-high 186 yards last week following three down games. Purdue has one of the worst defenses in the nation, too, so the Wildcats will look to attack a unit that ranks 107th in rushing yards allowed this year.

On defense, the Wildcats will hope to slow a young yet talented Boilermaker backfield: redshirt freshman quarterback David Blough and freshman running back Markell Jones. The Boilermakers put up 55 points against Nebraska but have struggled mightily otherwise, including last week in a 48-14 blowout loss to Illinois.

Preview Links

- Every Week Is Hate Week. But it's impossible to hate Purdue. It's like beating up on a toddler in video games.

- Three reasons why Northwestern will beat Purdue. Three reasons why Northwestern will lose to — no, that won't happen. Northwestern will win.

- Northwestern is still in the running for a New Year's Six bowl. But the Wildcats are also one loss away from falling to a far less attractive bowl destination.

- Are any of our writers picking Purdue? Nope. But some think Saturday's game will be close.

- Northwestern starting quarterback Clayton Thorson will play against Purdue despite picking up an injury against Penn State.

- Zach Wingrove profiled Northwestern defensive tackle Max Chapman, an outgoing senior who has "left quite the imprint on" Northwestern.

- Travis Miller of SB Nation Purdue site Hammer and Rails stopped by to help preview the game.

- Video, notes and quotes from Northwestern's and Pat Fitzgerald's weekly press conference.

- Three things to know about the Purdue Boilermakers.

- Northwestern linebacker Jaylen Prater is out for the season. Offensive lineman Geoff Mogus will also miss the Purdue game.

- Northwestern's week 11 depth chart.

- Northwestern rose three spots to No. 18 in the College Football Playoff rankings.

- The Wildcats are also trending upwards in our Big Ten Power Rankings.

- Henry Bushnell and Ben Goren talked about Purdue for more than 19 minutes on Thursday's podcast. And they're still alive.

Follow along and discuss with us here on the GameThread!