Nebraska football at Purdue: Game Preview

The game begins at 11 a.m. and can be streamed on Peacock.

1. Run the ball: Nebraska hasn’t had a 100-yard rusher this season, but a prime opportunity to change that awaits. Purdue’s porous run defense could see a steady dose of Dante Dowdell, and Rahmir Johnson has proved to be a strong change-of-pace option.

2. Get Barney going: When freshman wide receiver Jacory Barney Jr. gets the ball in his hands, you never know what will happen. Barney’s speed and explosiveness stand out as traits offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield hopes to utilize heavily.

3. Cohesion up front: One week after Illinois’ pass rush gave Nebraska trouble in the game’s biggest moments, the Huskers must provide a solid base for their quarterback to work in. Dylan Raiola has a strong pocket presence, but he needs to be kept clean.

4. Break a big one: When Raiola looks for Isaiah Neyor or Jaylen Lloyd, big plays often follow. If the Huskers can stretch the field and get their speedy wideouts into one-on-one situations, they’ll have a great chance to pop one. However, Purdue’s top cornerback, Nyland Green, returns this week.

1. Out-maneuver Mockobee: Running back Devin Mockobee’s production may dictate how far the Boilermaker offense can go. If Nebraska can slow him down, it’s stopping Purdue’s primary way to move the ball and the chains.

2. Four-man rush: Rather than blitzing linebackers and defensive backs, Nebraska prefers to rush the passer with just its base four-man rush. That wasn’t always successful against Illinois, so can NU bounce back with a renewed effort?

3. Tackling improvements: Yards after contact is an area where coach Matt Rhule expects the Nebraska defense to get better. Wrapping up right away, swarming to the ball and avoiding missed tackles will be key against Purdue.

4. Force a fumble: Every takeaway a defense can produce is crucial, and with the Boilermakers expected to keep it on the ground, a fumble may be the best route to a turnover this week. Linebacker John Bullock had an excellent forced fumble against the Illini.

269: Rushing yards allowed per game by Purdue, the third-most nationally.

0: Field goals attempted this season by Purdue kicker Spencer Porath, who is 11-for-11 on extra points. 

103: Yards allowed on punt returns by Nebraska, the eighth-most in the country.

OL | No. 77 | R-Fr.: Gottula may very well be set for his first career start this Saturday. The Lincoln native went from mop-up duty against Northern Iowa to playing crucial snaps against Illinois, yet still held his own against the veteran Illini front. With Turner Corcoran set to miss time, Gottula is the likely solution at left tackle.

DB | No. 15 | Jr.: A key backup cornerback over Nebraska’s 3-0 start, Wright was thrust into a major role last week following an injury to Tommi Hill. Wright handled the challenge well and stood out in coverage after playing over 50 snaps. The defensive back continues to earn more and more playing time having recorded six tackles, one sack and one forced fumble.

Purdue run game against Nebraska defense

A one-two punch of Mockobee and Reggie Love III at running back has powered the Purdue offense thus far.  In Purdue’s blowout loss to Notre Dame, Mockobee was bottled up for 2.1 yards per carry; he’s averaged 9.5 yards per carry otherwise. The Boilermakers are averaging over 6 yards per carry as a team and will need steady, consistent production on the ground to get past Nebraska.

The Boilermakers are extremely thin here. Their top wideout this season, Jahmal Edrine, is expected to miss several weeks while CJ Smith (hamstring) is yet to play this season after transferring from Georgia. Last week showed just how dire things have gotten for Purdue when its wideouts totaled 13 yards on just four catches. Tight end Max Klare is a big target in the passing game, but Purdue doesn’t have the caliber of wide receivers the Huskers have already seen this season.

After the emotional hit of last week’s loss to Illinois, the Huskers should come into this matchup ready to go. Purdue’s vulnerabilities as a rush defense should excite Nebraska as Raiola plays his first collegiate road game. If the Boilermakers can run the ball effectively, there’s a high chance Nebraska could be sucked into another tight game with fine margins just like it played last Friday. But if the Huskers can flex their muscles defensively or set the tone on offense, they’ll have no issue putting together a two-score win against Purdue.