Nebraska (3-1, 0-1 Big Ten) at Purdue (1-2, 0-0), Saturday, noon ET (Peacock)

BetMGM College Football Odds: Nebraska with 10.

Series: 6-6 draw.

WHAT IS AT STAKE?

The Cornhuskers’ perfect start ended last week with an overtime loss that dropped them out of the Top 25. This week they will ask freshman QB Dylan Raiola to help them recover in his first road game – in a sold-out Ross-Ade Stadium that promises to be painted red. Purdue has lost two in a row and needs a win before playing back-to-back games at Wisconsin, where it has historically struggled, and at rival No. 19 Illinois.

KEY MATCHUP

Nebraska’s ground game vs. Purdue’s run defense. No, Nebraska hasn’t adopted its old-school ground-and-pound theory yet this season. Maybe that will change this weekend. After rushing for 50 yards in a 31-24 loss to then No. 24 Illinois, there could be a temporary change. Purdue allows 269.0 yards rushing per game, the third-highest total in the FBS. Until Purdue proves it can stop the run, opponents will keep him on the ground.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Nebraska: LB John Bullock has played at the all-conference level thus far, making a career-high nine tackles in consecutive games. He also had a sack and forced a fumble to set up a ‘Huskers TD against Illinois last week. Through four games, he leads the Huskers in tackles, has two sacks, four tackles for loss and three pass breakups.

Purdue: Hudson Card. The Boilermakers quarterback struggled against Notre Dame with an interception that was returned for a TD. Last week was even worse. He was 7 of 17 with a paltry 32 yards, one touchdown, another interception returned for a score while dealing with several mistimed snaps.

FACTS & FIGURES

Nebraska coach Matt Rhule won his first game against Purdue last year, but the Boilermakers have won four of the last six in the series as they defeated the ‘Huskers 185-183. … This will be the first road trip of the season for the Cornhuskers. They were 1-4 on the road in 2023. They are 8-31 in one-possession games since 2018. … Purdue is the only FBS team without a takeaway through the first four weeks. They had a bye in Week 2. … Raiola threw for 297 yards and three touchdowns against the Illini last week, both season highs, for Nebraska. … The Boilermakers have been outscored 104-28 in their last two games. … The Cornhuskers’ two-week run in the Top 25 ended Sunday. It was their first Top 25 appearance since 2019.

___

Receive poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 all season long. Sign up here. AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll And https://apnews.com/hub/college-football