EA Sport simulation: Michigan vs. Purdue

The Boilermakers, who lost to the Wolverines 31-3 in Ann Arbor last year, used a 35-43, 388 yard passing day by Orton, who overcame the mistakes that he made in last week's Wisconsin loss, to move one game behind the Badgers in the Big 10.

Michigan freshman QB Chad Henne, who had shown a great deal of poise all year long for UM, was blitzed constantly by the Boilermakers during the game. Henne, who finished the game 22-41, 266 yards with two touchdowns, was sacked a total of 5 times and also threw three interceptions in the contest. Michigan was able to keep close in the game by using their outstanding freshman running back Michael Hart, who ran the ball 36 times for 124 yards, while scoring two touchdowns on the day.

The difference in the game was Purdue QB Kyle Orton, who used a variety of four wide sets and using a number of dump off passes to running backs Jarod Void and Brandon Jones to move the ball. Michigan attempted to counter the short passing game by playing press coverage, but Orton was able to exploit the Michigan D with two long passing plays to Taylor Stubblefield to break the game open for the Boilers.

Purdue will next play on October 30th, when they travel to Evanston, Illinois to take on Northwestern, while Michigan will try to rebound when they return home to Ann Arbor to take on rival Michigan State the same day.