Matchup Preview: Purdue-Nevada

The focus will be on cutting down, if not eliminating turnovers, for David Blough and the Purdue passing game, and Nevada has only one pick in three games. Statistically, the Wolf Pack rank eighth nationally in pass defense, but that likely has more to do with the fact it is struggling to stop the run. Still Nevada has ample experience in its secondary. It still is looking for its first sack of the season after three games, though.

Historically Nevada hasn't brought much pressure, but the game plan could change if the Boilermakers' replacements at both tackles don't hold up.

Look for Domonique Young, who ranks ninth in the country with an average of 8.0 receptions per game, and DeAngelo Yancey to cause Nevada problems, especially against relatively small corners Elijah Mitchell (5-foot-8) and E. J. Muhammad (5-11).

Advantage: Purdue (slight)

Purdue Running Game vs. Nevada Run Defense

Assuming Markell Jones is up to speed physically, it should be a big day for the Boilermaker ground game. The Wolf Pack are giving up 5.6 yards per attempt and ranks 124th nationally in rush defense. Cal Poly gouged Nevada for 383 yards in the season opener using a triple-option attack. The Wolf Pack improved against the run in Weeks 2 and 3, but opponents Notre Dame and Buffalo still surpassed 200 yards on the ground.

Jones' injury in the first half at UC held him to what might be a season-low in rushing (31 yards), but until Jones gets several touches Saturday, it is difficult to know if he will be able to make the expected strong impact.

Advantage: Purdue

Nevada Passing Game vs. Purdue Pass Defense

Senior quarterback Tyler Stewart has been been efficient against the two weaker opponents, completing 75 percent of his passes against Cal Poly and Buffalo. Against Notre Dame, he was just 10-of-23 for 113 yards and a pick. Sophomore Ty Gangi doesn't throw much when he comes in to replace Stewart in the option game, but he did complete the Wolf Pack's longest pass of the season, a 68-yarder to Andrew Celis. Senior wide receiver Jerico Richardson has been the go-to guy catching passes in 22 straight games.

For Purdue to win, it has to put pressure on Stewart and force him into mistakes as Notre Dame did in Week 2. That's a big if, as Nevada's line has given up just two sacks in three games.

Advantage: Even

Nevada Running Game vs. Purdue Rush Defense

This might be where the game is won and lost. Wolf Pack junior back James Butler has proven to be a weapon. His ranks in the top-15 nationally in rushing touchdowns (five) and rushing yards (347). Freshman Jaxson Kincaide gained 99 yards in 18 carries last week against Buffalo, so look for him to get his share of touches on Saturday.

New offensive coordinator Tim Cramsey likes to mix in the option and spread with the pistol offense, which came into vogue with the Wolf Pack offense 11 years ago. He even inserted sophomore free safety Asauni Rufus in for two plays against Notre Dame to run the triple option but usually uses backup Gangi in those situations.

The fact that Purdue continues to struggle to stop the run (104th nationally) has to be a concern. If Purdue can slow down Nevada's ground game, the Boilermakers have to like their chances. That's a big if, though.

Advantage: Nevada

Special Teams

In the fragile emotional state of Boilermaker football, missed chip-shot field goals, as occurred against Cincinnati, are catastrophic and can't continue if Purdue expects to compete. Malik Kimbrough has shown some promise in the kick return game with his 36- and 33-yard returns against Eastern Kentucky. But there is work to be done in the punt return game as the Boilermakers are still in negative yardage territory.

The Boilermakers' punt and kickoff returns have been OK, ranking 61st in the country in both categories.

Nevada kicker Brent Zuso has been a model of consistency, and earlier this season had his streak of 19 made field goals inside the 50 snapped. Elijah Mitchell is among the all-time leaders in school history in kickoff returns but has yet to get untracked this season. The Wolf Pack have struggled in covering punts giving up 12 per return, so that could give some opportunity for Purdue this week.

Advantage: Nevada (slight)

Intangibles

Purdue may have time on its side in this one, as this game starts at 9 a.m. in the Wolf Pack's home of Reno, so maybe the Boilermakers catch the opponent napping a bit. Coaches Darrell Hazell and Brian Polian are both in need of a win to hopefully change the fortunes of their respective programs.

Purdue has shown good discipline with few penalties, but it now needs to overcome its self doubts and show some passion on the field. This one truly may come down to the trite but true question in sports: Which team wants it most?

More football coverage : Film With Freeman: Nevada ($) | Tario Fuller hoping to find field | Purdue could be without starting tackles | Blough has new mindset

Coordinator's Corner: OC Terry Malone ($) | DC Ross Els ($)

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