If there’s an offense in the Big Ten that the Michigan defense would want to face this week, it is probably Purdue’s. The Boilermakers’ have already lost starting quarterback Robert Marve, No. 1 wide receiver Keith Smith and top running back Ralph Bolden to injuries throughout the season. And in the past three weeks Purdue has scored a total of 23 points against Ohio State, Illinois and Wisconsin.

Those Big Ten foes have scored a combined 127 points against Purdue.

Michigan (2-3 Big Ten, 6-3 overall) enters the contest coming off its sixth win of the season, a triple-over time victory over Illinois that made the Wolverines bowl eligible for the first time under Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez. Offense was not a problem for the Wolverines as they scored 67 points against the Illini — but the defense allowed 65 in the barnburner.

Michigan pass offense vs. Purdue pass defense

Sophomore quarterback Denard Robinson threw for a career-high 305 yards on just 10 completions last week. He threw two interceptions in the first quarter but connected with redshirt sophomore Roy Roundtree on two big completions in a high-scoring second quarter.

Purdue’s secondary will have a hard time handling Roundtree, Stonum and redshirt junior wide receiver Junior Hemingway on the outsides, especially with Robinson returning to action.

Edge: Michigan

Michigan rush offense vs. Purdue rush defense

Michigan sports the nation’s ninth-best rushing attack led by Robinson who still leads the NCAA in rushing yards despite running for a season-low 62 yards last week against the Fighting Illini.

The Wolverines had quality contributions from Vincent Smith, Mike Shaw and Stephen Hopkins last week — the trio carried the load that Robinson usually shoulders.

Purdue defensive end Ryan Kerrigan is a standout, but Michigan has been able to run on every team it has played this year — don’t expect anything to change this week.

Edge: Michigan

Purdue pass offense vs. Michigan pass defense

Just when you thought the Michigan secondary couldn’t get younger, redshirt sophomore cornerback J.T. Floyd was injured during practice last week and is out for the remainder of the season.

Experience is hard to come by for the Wolverines, but Purdue starts true freshman Sean Robinson at quarterback. He hasn’t impressed as the starter the last two weeks against Illinois and Wisconsin.

Robinson threw for 141 yards and three interceptions against the Badgers last week and the Fighting Illini held him to 52 yards on 7-of-20 passing. Illinois allowed more passing yards to Michigan on the Wolverines first play from scrimmage.

This could get ugly for both sides.

Edge: Push

Purdue rush offense vs. Michigan rush defense

Purdue could get a boost from the absence of Michigan linebacker Jonas Mouton, who is questionable for Saturday’s game with a strained muscle in his chest. The Boilermakers’ only redeeming asset on offense could be their running game, which averages more than 175 yards per game behind leading passer Dan Dierking– a fullback.

With the loss of Bolden due to an injury, the Boilermakers have resorted to using multiple backs and quarterbacks to get the job done.

Michigan looked like it was swarming to the ball against Illinois and gang tackling running backs. But the Wolverines still struggled to slow down Jacob Ford and Mikel Leshoure.

Edge: Push

Special Teams

The negative attention has shifted in recent weeks from Michigan’s kicking woes to the Wolverines’ defensive inefficiencies. But Michigan is still 4-of-11 on field goals and its long is 37 yards.

Purdue kicker Carson Wiggs has connected on 10-of-14 field goals all season, including both of his attempts from farther than 40 yards, and Cody Webster averages more than 42 yards per punt.

Edge: Purdue

Intangibles

Though this game is on the road, Michigan has a sliver of momentum in West Lafayette. After last Saturday’s win, Rodriguez’s message was that the final three games of the season would determine the quality of a bowl that Michigan receives.

With Purdue reeling, the Wolverines have their best chance to get another win this weekend. It won’t come easily against Wisconsin or Ohio State.