Entering the game at 4-6 and 2-4 in the Big Ten, the Boilermakers are hoping to end a four-game losing streak. The Spartans (9-1 overall, 5-1 Big Ten) need two more wins in their final two games to guarantee at least a share of this season’s Big Ten championship.

Here’s a look at four matchups that will help decide Saturday’s game…

Purdue quarterbacks vs. MSU front seven

Injuries have made Purdue turn to four different starting quarterbacks this season.

Rob Henry went 5-for-9 for 54 yards and rushed for a team-high 75 yards and a touchdown in last week’s 27-16 loss against Michigan, but has been banged up and might not play on Saturday. If he doesn’t play, Sean Robinson is the likely starter.

The Spartans’ secondary played well against Minnesota, allowing 191 passing yards and appears to be playing its best, but will need to continue to make tackles.
Edge: MSU

MSU special teams vs. Purdue special teams

Junior wide receiver Keshawn Martin is expected to return as a Spartans’ returner and provide a lift. The Spartans’ Big Ten championship hopes will increase exponentially if Martin can make a big play in the next two games.

Senior punter Aaron Bates and sophomore kicker Dan Conroy will try to pick up where they left off before the bye week.

Purdue kicker Carson Wiggs is 13-for-17 on field goals this season, but the Boilermakers rank last in the Big Ten in kickoff returns.
Edge: MSU

MSU running game vs. Purdue front seven

The Spartans’ 189 rushing yards helped them get back on track after three mediocre performances, but they’ll go against a confident Purdue defensive front that slowed U-M last week.

The Boilermakers only allowed 395 yards against U-M and also forced five turnovers. Additionally, the Spartans will have to block defensive end Ryan Kerrigan, who had four sacks and two forced fumbles last week, and is making his case for being one of the best defensive ends in the country.

Purdue ranks 54th nationally in rush defense, and MSU has performed well in the games it’s rushed for at least 200 yards, which makes this a big matchup.
Edge: MSU

Purdue running game vs. MSU front seven

The Spartans rank third defensively in the Big Ten allowing 119 yards per game on the ground. Purdue ranks sixth in the Big Ten at 168.3 rush yards per game, but was held to 124 yards last week.

If Henry’s healthy, the Boilermakers could have success on the ground, but MSU’s front seven has been impressive this season and should continue its success.
Edge: MSU