Marshall Stars as Michigan Survives Purdue 21-16

No. 21 Michigan beat Purdue 21-16 at the Big House to move to 7-2 (5-1 Big Ten). Jordan Marshall carried the offense with 25 carries for 185 yards and multiple touchdowns and also made a big receiving play, while Derrick Moore continued to pressure quarterbacks with more sacks. Freshman QB Bryce Underwood was 13-of-22 for 145 yards with an interception and took two sacks. Michigan’s special teams again faltered (including a blocked punt and negative punt return), and PFF graded the offense 76.8 and the defense 78.4 as the Wolverines held Purdue to 276 yards. Michigan remained No. 21 in the AP Poll and has a 15.6 SP+ rating, gets a bye this week, and will face Northwestern, Maryland and Ohio State to finish the regular season. The win keeps Michigan’s playoff hopes alive but underscored needs at passing efficiency, special teams and health/depth.