FACTS & STATS: Site: Michigan Stadium (107,501) -- Ann Arbor, Michigan. Television:BTN. Home Record: Purdue 3-3, Michigan 5-1. Away Record: Purdue 0-3, Michigan 0-3. Neutral Record: Purdue 0-0, Michigan 0-0. Conference Record: Purdue 2-3, Michigan 1-4. Series Record: Michigan leads, 41-13.

GAME NOTES: The Michigan Wolverines will once gain try to earn bowl- eligibility, as they take on the Purdue Boilermakers in Big Ten play this weekend in Ann Arbor.

After a 4-0 start, it seemed certain the Wolverines would be headed back to the postseason, but things have taken a turn for the worse since the start of October. Michigan has dropped four of its last five outings, with its lone win during that stretch coming over Delaware State, a FCS program. The team might have hit rock bottom last weekend, dropping a 38-13 decision to a struggling Illinois club. It was the fourth straight league loss for the Wolverines, who now return home, where they have gone a solid 5-1 thus far.

As for the Boilermakers, they appeared on their way up until a 37-0 loss at Wisconsin last weekend brought them back to reality. It marked Purdue's worst shutout loss since a 48-0 setback at Notre Dame in 1992. The effort was a dismal one by the Boilermakers, who had defeated highly-ranked Ohio State (26-18) and Illinois (24-14) in consecutive weeks prior to the visit to Madison. Now at 3-6 overall, Purdue must win its final three games to become eligible for the postseason.

In regard to the all-time series, Michigan holds a 41-13 lead over Purdue and that includes 16 straight wins in Ann Arbor dating back to 1966.

Purdue did next to nothing on offense last weekend versus Wisconsin, as it managed only 141 total yards, well below the team's season average of 372.1 ypg. The Boilermakers also turned the ball over three times, but that is nothing new for this team, which has committed 26 turnovers on the campaign. Quarterback Joey Elliott had a rough game versus the Badgers, as he completed only 5-of-23 tosses for 59 yards and a pick. It was clearly one of the worst performances of the season for Elliott, who has had success in throwing for 2,081 yards and 14 touchdowns. He however, has been guilty of 11 picks and that is something he will need to work on. Keith Smith is his main outlet with 60 catches for 779 yards, while Aaron Valentin checks in with 535 yards and a team-best seven receiving touchdowns. In the backfield, Ralph Bolden has put forth a solid campaign and he is among the top rushers in the conference with 757 yards and five scores.

The Boilermakers' defense was simply pushed around last Saturday, as Wisconsin ran the ball 53 times for 266 yards and three touchdowns. Stopping the run has been a problem for Purdue, which is allowing 168.4 ypg on the ground, including 21 touchdowns. The defense did get one takeaway and three sacks and those are two areas this unit has fared well in. On the season, Purdue has forced 18 turnovers, including 10 picks, while recording 24 sacks. Ryan Kerrigan has been a force with nine sacks and 14.5 TFLs on the campaign, while Jason Werner has posted 63 stops and 4.5 sacks. Last weekend, Kerrigan led the team with nine stops, to go along with 1.5 sacks in another solid performance.

The Wolverines led 13-6 at the break before the offense went south and failed to score over the final two periods in a loss at Illinois. Michigan gained 377 total yards, close to its season average of 401.4 ypg, but committed three turnovers. Much like Purdue, the Wolverines have had their share of struggles trying to hang onto the ball, committing 21 turnovers thus far. Carlos Brown paced the team in defeat with 94 yards and a score on 25 carries. He has now rushed for 465 yards to lead a Michigan ground game that is averaging a hardy 207.7 ypg this season. The Wolverines have scored 23 of their 33 touchdowns via the run, as they are breaking in a rookie quarterback in Tate Forcier. The freshman gunslinger is a threat with his legs, rushing for 214 yards, and he also has a solid arm, throwing for 1,424 yards and nine scores. Last weekend, Forcier threw for 257 yards on 13-of-23 tosses, but didn't have a touchdown.

Michigan struggled greatly on defense last Saturday, as slumping Illinois was able to pile up 500 total yards of offense. Of those yards, 377 came on the ground, where Illinois also scored four of its five touchdowns. It was a complete meltdown by the Wolverines, who are now giving up 382.1 total ypg, including 161.8 ypg via the run. Michigan wasn't even able to create a turnover last weekend and it has forced just 11 on the year, far too little to be effective. The unit did register four sacks and Mike Williams led the defense with 16 stops. Brandon Graham also got into the mix with seven stops and a sack and he continues to shine for Michigan, leading the team with 6.5 sacks and 17 TFLs on the year.

The Wolverines have the edge playing at home and the support of their fans and a big day on the ground should help them slip past Purdue this weekend.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Michigan 34, Purdue 31

Saturday, November 7th, 12:00 p.m. (et)