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After squeezing out a win against Nebraska, now Purdue has to deal with No.5 Michigan State.
The Boilermakers were able to hold on to their lead in the second half thanks to their defense. Purdue got up 28-17 in the fourth quarter, stopping Nebraska late in the game on the two-point conversion and recovering the onside kick to seal the game with a 28-23 victory.
It looks like the Boilermakers didn’t suffer any major injuries, so they should be full strength coming into their game with the Spartans.
One of the things that could effect the team in the long run is the kicking game. Mitchell Fineran has been on a really bad slump as of late. The Boilermakers could need him if they want another big upset like they had against Iowa. Head coach Jeff Brohm stated during his presser on Monday that there will be a kicking competition at practice.
The Spartans currently lead the series against the Boilermakers 36-28. Michigan State has won the last eight matchups with Purdue as well. The last matchup was a 23-13 win in East Lansing in 2018 for Michigan State. Purdue last beat Michigan State back in 2006.
ESPN’s FPI gives Michigan State a 60.6% chance of victory against Purdue. The Boilermakers have a chance to break their losing streak Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC.
Brohm gave injury updates on a few players, while also highlighting some players that have impressed him so far in 2021 among other things.
Here’s what Brohm had to say:
Brohm: Kicking situation. Competition this week.
Confident Fineran can break out of his slump— mike carmin (@carmin_jc) November 1, 2021
Brohm: Credits Mel Tucker for his transfer portal use.
— Tom Dienhart (@TomDienhart1) November 1, 2021
Brohm: Greg Long, we will try to get him back. Still in concussion protocol.
— Tom Dienhart (@TomDienhart1) November 1, 2021
Jeff Brohm presser: Horvath just a little sore. He will be OK for this week. Was a boost to run game at Nebraska.
— Tom Dienhart (@TomDienhart1) November 1, 2021
Brohm credits the running game and time of possession as key factors against Nebraska on Saturday
— ISC Purdue 🚂💨💨💨 (@ISC_PU) November 1, 2021
Brohm discusses how getting a lead and forcing opponents to throw more than they want to has lead to and will lead to more turnovers by the defense.
Shutting down the run game will be key against MSU this week.
— ISC Purdue 🚂💨💨💨 (@ISC_PU) November 1, 2021
Brohm: Mitchell Fineran needs to get his confidence back.
— Tom Dienhart (@TomDienhart1) November 1, 2021
Brohm says Kydran Jenkins has exceeded their expectations going into the season and credits his incredible work ethic and trust in him on the field
— ISC Purdue 🚂💨💨💨 (@ISC_PU) November 1, 2021
Grant Bricker covers the B1G for Saturday Tradition. His previous stops include the Williamson Homepage and Nashville Post.