Michigan's home game on Saturday with the suddenly dangerous Purdue Boilermakers could be a banner moment for five freshmen under Brady Hoke. The Wolverines have had two weeks to prepare for Purdue after struggling against Michigan State, while the Boilermakers challenged Leaders Division leader Penn State in Happy Valley before upsetting a ranked Illinois squad this past week.
↵AnnArbor.com is reporting that Frank Clark and cornerbacks Blake Countess and Raymon Taylor along with Brennen Beyer could see more time on the defense. Running back Thomas Rawls may also play against Purdue, who slowed Nathan Scheelhaase last weekend:
↵↵↵"There’s some guys who (get) more real fundamental time," Hoke said of the off week. "It’s good for them because they got a little more work in."
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The Boilermakers finally found a pass rush last weekend against the Fighting Illini, nearly doubling their season sack total. Purdue also has a solid running game that will test the Wolverine defense. Purdue's last trip to Ann Arbor was a 38-36 win over the Wolverines in 2009, their first victory in Michigan Stadium since 1966.