Purdue beat Ohio State at home this season and have been a surprise in the Big Ten season under rookie head coach Danny Hope. Here are four key matchups that will determine Saturday’s outcome.

MSU quarterback Kirk Cousins vs. Purdue secondary

Cousins was almost perfect last week against Western Michigan, completing 22 of 25 passes — with two drops from receivers. While the defense has struggled on the road, Cousins hasn’t. He is stronger as the season nears it’s finish, which is a good sign for the Spartans. Although Purdue’s defense, as a whole, has struggled, their pass defense has been among the Big Ten’s best.

Statistically speaking, Purdue has the second best pass defense the Spartans have seen. The Boilermakers are allowing fewer than 200 yards passing per game, but they are going up against the Big Ten’s top passing team in terms of both yardage and efficiency. Cousins’ targets, especially the tight ends, have been getting stronger and will create a mismatch that Cousins will take advantage of.

Advantage: Cousins

Purdue quarterback Joey Elliott vs. MSU secondary

The Spartans’ secondary rebounded last Saturday after a poor performance against Minnesota. Head coach Mark Dantonio decided to start sophomore Trenton Robinson and senior Kendell Davis-Clark at safety and the two played very well. But the Spartans’ defense has not been the same when they travel outside Spartan Stadium.

Elliott has been one of the Big Ten’s biggest surprises this season, leading the Boilermakers to a huge upset against Ohio State that saved Purdue’s season and has put them in a position to make a charge for a bowl game. Elliott also has two of the Big Ten’s top receivers and running back Ralph Bolden also can catch the ball out of the backfield. Elliott will be able to take advantage of an inconsistent Spartan secondary.

Advantage: Elliott

MSU front seven vs. Purdue offensive line

The Spartans’ defensive line has improved since the victory against U-M. The Spartans are second in the Big Ten in sacks with 29, although they usually use a three-man front on third down.

The Boilermakers like to get Elliott out of the pocket, so the Spartan linebackers will be running from sideline to sideline. Purdue’s veteran offensive line only has allowed 15 sacks this season and the Spartan defense has struggled on the road, so this matchup is too close to call.

Advantage: Split

Purdue front seven vs. MSU offensive line

The Spartans have been one of the best teams in the trenches this season. Along with being among the Big Ten’s leaders in sacks for, the Spartans also are second in the conference in sacks against (12). The offensive line, which was struck with injuries early in the season, has been consistent this season at protecting the quarterback.

The Boilermakers also have been good in the trenches this season. They are third in the conference in sacks with 28 and defensive end Ryan Kerrigan leads the Big Ten with 10. If the Spartans utilize their tight ends, it will force the Boilermakers to use their linebackers in pass coverage, leaving the offensive line to only have to worry about the Purdue defensive line.

Advantage: MSU