The Michigan Wolverines will look to advance to a perfect 4-0 on the college football season when they square off against the Purdue Boilermakers on Saturday afternoon. While the Wolverines are looking to stay in contention for a possible playoff berth this December, they know that facing Purdue on the road can always be a tough challenge.

Michigan offense needs to step up

Jim Harbaugh has brought winning back to his alma mater ever since taking over as the Wolverines head coach three seasons ago, and that was mostly due to a high-powered offense he developed.

So far in 2017, it is safe to say that it has been the defense that has pretty much carried Michigan thus far. The Michigan offense lost many key players to the NFL in 2017 including Amara Darboh (Seahawks), Jake Butt (Broncos), Jehu Chesson (Chiefs) and punt returner, and sometimes offensive QB/tailback, Jabrill Peppers is now a member of the Cleveland Browns.

That is an awful lot of talent to lose in one season, yet the Wolverines are off to a 3-0 start. The positive is that Michigan should be even better next season as their new young core of wideouts begins to grow, but right now they are just focused on advancing to 4-0 and earning a win in their first Big Ten conference game of the year.

Purdue will be more than up for the challenge this weekend when the Wolverines come calling. The Boilermakers lead the Big Ten in red zone efficiency, having scored on all 13 of its trips so far this season - with 10 of the 13 resulting in touchdowns. They also rank third in the conference in passing, and fourth in scoring at 35.7 points per game.

Junior QB David Blough has tossed six touchdowns this season with his favorite target emerging as redshirt freshman wide receiver Jackson Anthrop. Anthrop has scored a touchdown in each of his first three games. If Michigan hopes to get a big win on the road Saturday, they will have to slow down Purdue’s emerging offensive combo.

Live stream, TV coverage, odds and prediction

Las Vegas oddsmakers have installed the Wolverines as 10.5 point favorites against Purdue this weekend, with the over/under point total set at 50. Michigan has the better defense, but winning on the road is hard to do in the Big Ten. Michigan wins, but Purdue covers.

Pick -- Purdue +10.5

Fans can watch every snap of Saturday’s Michigan vs Purdue game nationally on FOX. The game will also be available to stream live online through the FOX Sports Go app. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 PM ET.
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