WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Six Big Ten teams rank among the top 18 in the nation in total defense.
Purdue played five of those teams, posting a 2-3 record. And while the Boilermakers have faced some of the league’s top defenses, Saturday’s opponent is likely the best of the bunch.
Michigan is No. 2 nationally, allowing an average of 262.2 yards and ranks third in scoring defense, giving up 12.7 points. Only two teams – Maryland and Ohio State – have scored more than 20 points against the Wolverines’ defense this season.
That’s what Purdue's offense must battle Saturday (8 p.