After a lackluster stretch of seasons, Purdue rallied to its first season with a record above .500 for the first time since 2011 under new head coach Jeff Brohm. The Wildcats face an early test when they travel to West Lafayette on Thursday night, with the Boilermakers looking to build upon last season. Here are three things to know about Purdue:

Purdue’s defense is young and inexperienced

Last season, the Boilermakers were extremely reliant on their experienced defense, which helped guide them to a 7-6 season. Purdue’s defense thrived under new co-coordinators Nick Holt and Anthony Poindexter, improving significantly in its run defense — Purdue ranked No.