Purdue-Ohio State Preview Capsule

Purdue (3-3, 0-2) vs. No. 7 Ohio State (7-0, 3-0), noon (ABC/ESPN2)

Line: Ohio State by 19.

Series Record: Ohio State leads, 37-14-2.

WHAT'S AT STAKE

Ohio State's defensive pride is on the line. The Buckeyes gave up 38 points two weeks ago to Nebraska and a startling 49 on Saturday at Indiana. Purdue's defense also has a lot riding on the outcome after giving up 82 points the past two weeks in losses to Michigan and Wisconsin. They may have to put a third digit on the scoreboard for each team.

KEY MATCHUP

Purdue QBs Caleb TerBush and Robert Marve against Ohio State's defense. Assailed by Buckeyes fans, the defense also got an extra coach this week — head man Urban Meyer made a rare appearance in the unit's meeting room on Sunday to make it clear that things would have to change, and soon. TerBush started a year ago in the Boilermakers' stunning 26-23 win over the Buckeyes, hitting 15 of 24 passes for 140 yards before giving way to Marve, who threw an interception in the final minute but ended up scoring on a decisive 1-yard keeper in overtime on the game's final play.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Purdue: DT Kawann Short will try to stymie Ohio State's robust rushing game, led by RB Carlos Hyde who has run for 296 yards the last two games. CBs Ricardo Allen and Josh Johnson figure to be busy trying to prevent big plays — and the Buckeyes have gained at least 20 yards on an offensive play an amazing 31 times.

Ohio State: QB Braxton Miller hopes to burnish his Heisman Trophy credentials with another solid game. He's averaging 130 yards on the ground (seventh best in the nation) and 182 passing. His top target is WR Corey Brown, who has 41 catches, while WR Devin Smith is next with six TDs on just 21 receptions.

FACTS & FIGURES

The Boilermakers have not won at Ohio State since 1988. ... Don't be surprised if RB Rod Smith, one of only two native Indianans for the Buckeyes, has a big game. His role has grown recently. ... Purdue WR Antavian Edison has caught passes in his last 27 games. ... Tickets were still available midweek, a rarity for an Ohio State home game. ... The teams have split the last six meetings.