WEST LAFAYETTE, Indiana (Ticker) -- No. 12 Purdue hopes to
avoid a second straight home loss to a Big Ten Conference power
when it faces 11th-ranked Michigan on Saturday.
The Boilermakers (5-1, 2-1 Big Ten) appeared as if they would
improve to 6-0 for the first time since 1943 when they held a
17-7 lead over Wisconsin with eight minutes remaining last
Saturday.
But after the Badgers pulled within three points, Purdue
quarterback Kyle Orton lost a fumble on a headfirst slide that
the Badgers' Scott Starks grabbed and ran 40 yards for a
go-ahead touchdown with 2:36 left. After freshman Dorien Bryant
dropped a pass inside the Wisconsin 5, Ben Jones pushed wide
right a 42-yard field goal in the final minute.
A leading Heisman Trophy candidate, Orton was 25-of-45 for 235
yards, one touchdown and one interception for Purdue, which will
become bowl eligible for the eighth time in as many years under
Joe Tiller with its next win.
Michigan (6-1, 4-0) is coming off a 30-19 win at Illinois last
Saturday, overcoming a 17-10 halftime deficit. It was
Michigan's 10th straight triumph in league play.
For the second straight week, Mike Hart set a school record for
freshman rushing yards with 234 and a touchdown on 40 carries.
Hart had 160 yards against Minnesota two weeks ago.
Michigan, which boasts the fourth-best rushing defense (74.71
yards), is tied with Wisconsin atop the conference standings but
does not face the Badgers.
The Wolverines have won three in a row from the Boilermakers
since a 32-31 setback here in 2000. Last year, Michigan routed
Purdue at home, 31-3. Orton was sacked seven times and
intercepted twice in the defeat.
Michigan has won 26 of the last 31 meetings, with all five
losses here.