Last season was basically a bowl elimination game for Purdue and Minnesota. The Boilers won by 14, but that was after 15 points in the final minutes thanks to a pick-six by Ja’Whaun Bentley that sealed the game. Purdue went on to reach a bowl game at 6-6, while Minnesota came up just short at 5-5.
This year Purdue is in a better position, needing just one win in its final three games for a bowl. Minnesota needs two wins, and they have an uphill climb with Northwestern and Wisconsin to follow. They also just got blown out by Illinois, a team they certainly were supposed to beat on the road.