Purdue keys to victory and HOL score predictions

The No. 8 ranked Nebraska (6-0, 3-0) football team will try to keep their unbeaten streak going today, as Purdue (3-3, 1-2) comes to Lincoln under the direction of interim head coach Gerad Parker.

Last year the Boilermakers shocked the Huskers winning in West Lafayette under fired head coach Darrell Hazell. Since that dark day at Ross Ade Stadium the Huskers are 9-1 and at their highest ranking in the AP poll since Sept. 25, 2011.

As things get closer to kickoff, here are the keys to a Nebraska victory over Purdue, along with our HOL staff and expert score predictions. NU enters today's game a 24 point favorite over Purdue.

KEY 1: Forget about last year

It's such easy thing to make this game all about last year, but the 2015 Nebraska vs. Purdue game will have nothing to do with today's outcome. It's been good material for the media to bring up, but the Huskers can't make this about getting revenge. They just need to play a clean football game and focus on getting to 7-0 and 4-0 in the Big Ten.

KEY 2: Build a game plan to protect injury situation

The biggest challenge Nebraska will face for the third week in a row is injuries on their offensive line. Those injuries have really effected what they can do on offense in both the running and passing game. They need to get a handle on this for Saturday and know what will work up front in terms of building the game plan.

KEY 3: Win on third down

Nebraska's defense last week held Indiana to 5-of-17 on third and fourth down conversions. That played a huge factor in the final outcome, especially getting a key three-and-out after quarterback Tommy Armstrong's second interception. They need to win on third down again today.

KEY 4: Containment on Blough

Last year Purdue quarterback David Blough killed Nebraska with his misdirection runs and bootlegs. He had the Husker defense on their heals all day. Hopefully NU learned from that game and will develop a better game plan for this on Saturday.

KEY 5: Adjust to Purdue's new wrinkles

With 35-year old Gerad Parker making his debut as the interim head coach at Purdue, you never know what kind of new wrinkle's he's going to throw at the Huskers. Nebraska has to be ready for just about anything and they need to be able to adjust on the fly.

Sean Callahan - HuskerOnline Publisher

Nebraska is beat up on the line this week, and I think that will make this game a little tighter than expected. Nebraska will take care of business, but I expect Purdue's front to give the Husker line some issues. Terrell Newby will have a big day to lead the Huskers.

Nebraska 38, Purdue 17

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Robin Washut - HuskerOnline Senior Writer

There is zero reason why Nebraska shouldn't win this game with ease, as the Boilermakers are a complete mess on both side of the ball. The only way I see this even being remotely close is if the offensive line struggles to protect and NU turns the ball over. But with the Huskers' formula for success they've used all season, I just don't see that happening.

Nebraska 45, Purdue 17

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Nate Clouse - HuskerOnline Lead Recruiting Analyst

Nebraska is likely to see some new wrinkles from Purdue on both sides of the ball given the coaching change the Boilermakers made after last week’s loss to Iowa. So between making adjustments and working with a patchwork offensive line I see the offense getting off to a slower start than they’d like. With that being said, I still see Terrell Newby having a big day on the ground and some explosive plays through the air on offense. The Blackshirts will have yet another solid performance as the Husker cruise to another nice win.

Nebraska 38, Purdue 17

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Mike'l Severe - Omaha World Herald Bottom Line

After watching Iowa run for more than 300 yards vs Purdue last week I could see a similar result this Saturday for the Huskers. Even with the injuries along the Huskers OL, the Boilermakers could be without at least 3 starters because of injuries and concussion protocol. One concern is you never know how a team will respond after their coach is fired.

Nebraska 31, Purdue 13

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Andy Kendeigh - KETV Channel 7 Sports Director

The redemption tour continues for Nebraska. So far this season, the Huskers have wins over Northwestern and Illinois -- losses from a year ago. This week they get another opportunity against Purdue, a team playing its first game under an interim head coach. The key for Nebraska? Run the ball. Even behind a banged up offensive line, run the ball. Purdue is dead last in the Big Ten against the run, 124th in FBS. Under Mike Riley, the Huskers are 8-0 when rushing for 200+ yards and 8-0 when outrushing its opponent. Make both of those 9-0 after this week.

Nebraska 34, Purdue 14