Great Timing for this Matchup

1a. The second of two tough but, winnable road games for Purdue as the head into the Shell. What is the mentality of this Purdue team after an up-and-down September that featured blowing 2 games and almost losing @ home to FAU only to go on the road and handle a Minnesota team some were ready to hand the B1G West to?

1b. And this is a Maryland squad coming of a nice win over a down-and-out MSU team on the heels of a competitive game in Ann Arbor that featured a couple of unlucky bounces. Are the Terps ready to move from the hunted to the hunters?

2. Both QBs and O are more than happy to take what the D gives them which is often short, underneath routes. Lots of passes, high completion rate. This, along with stronger than usual run games lends to clock burning drives.

3. Purdue DL vs Maryland OL may be underrated matchup of the game. Purdue's D is off to another great season (playing last few games without their best player Graham). They've been great on early downs and stopping the run. Maryland comes in with a veteran line, an explosive frosh RB and determined to establish the LOS.

4. Coming into the year one of the biggest questions for Purdue was whether and to what degree they could improve their run game. That have done it and more. With more of a committee approach due to injury, their run game is effective and grades well.

5. Taulia showed the ability to run with the ball a bit vs SMU and would think Locksley will be in his ear about doing it again this week - not make the mistakes (Look at Morgan's 3 INTs last week vs Pur). He all the weapons he could want going up against a middling Purdue pass D - he should find success between the 20s.

6. Charlie Jones vs. an improving but at times exposed Maryland secondary.