Last season Nebraska hosted Purdue in the first post-Darrell Hazell game. Purdue hung tough with the No. 8 Cornhuskers for a half before falling. This year both teams are struggling. Nebraska has only beaten Arkansas State, Rutgers, and Illinois. Purdue is coming off of a very disappointing performance at Rutgers and is looking to salvage the rest of its season and bowl hopes.
To be honest, after dropping the Rutgers game unexpectedly (and yes, I would absolutely pick Purdue in a rematch this week), Purdue probably needs to get this win at home to keep alive its bowl hopes.