Purdue will look to bounce back from its subpar performances as it begins its Big Ten season against Nebraska

Nebraska (3-1, 0-1 Big Ten) at Purdue (1-2, 0-0), Saturday, 12 p.m. ET (Peacock)

BetMGM College football odds: Nebraska at 10.

Series: 6:6 draw.

WHAT IS AT STAKE?

The Cornhuskers' perfect start ended last week with an overtime loss that knocked them out of the Top 25. This week they will ask Star freshman QB Dylan Raiola to help them recover in his first away game – at a sold-out Ross Ade Stadium that promises to be painted red. Purdue has lost two straight and needs a win before it can play back-to-back games at Wisconsin, where it has struggled in the past, and at rival No. 19 Illinois.

KEY MATCHUP

Nebraska's ground game vs. Purdue's run defense. No, Nebraska hasn't adopted its old-fashioned ground-and-pound theory yet – not this season. Maybe that will change this weekend. After rushing for 50 yards in a 31-24 loss to then-No. 24 Illinois, a temporary change could be on the way. Purdue allows 269.0 yards rushing per game, the third-highest total in the FBS. Until Purdue proves it can stop the run, opponents will keep it on the ground.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Nebraska: LB John Bullock has played at an all-conference level so far, posting a career-best performance of nine tackles in consecutive games. He also had a sack and forced a fumble to set up a Huskers TD last week against Illinois. Through four games, he leads the Huskers in tackles, has two sacks, four tackles for loss and three pass breakups.

Purdue: Hudson map. The Boilermakers quarterback struggled against Notre Dame with an interception that was returned for a touchdown. Last week it was even worse. He was 7 of 17 for a paltry 32 yards, one touchdown, Another interception was returned for a score All while dealing with multiple mistimed snapshots.

FACTS & FIGURES

Nebraska coach Matt Rhule won his first game against Purdue last year, but the Boilermakers have won four of the last six games in the series, outscoring the Huskers 185-183. … This will be the Cornhuskers' first road trip of the season. In 2023, they were 1-4 away from home. Since 2018, they are 8:31 in one-possession games. … Purdue is the only FBS team without a takeaway through the first four weeks. They had a bye in Week 2. … Raiola threw for 297 yards and three touchdowns last week for Nebraska against the Illini, both season highs. … The Boilermakers have been outscored 104-28 in their last two games. … The Cornhuskers' two-week run in the top 25 ended on Sunday. It was her first top 25 appearance since 2019.

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