Michigan vs. Purdue 2017 live stream: Start time, TV schedule, and how to watch online

It’s not quite College GameDay, but the BTN Tailgate is headed to Indiana for the Big Ten matchup between the No. 8-ranked Michigan Wolverines and the Purdue Boilermakers. The hosts are 2-1 after their biggest road win in almost 20 years, and Michigan will try to extend their undefeated season Saturday at 4 p.m. ET on FOX (live stream it on BTN2Go.com).

Purdue has looked considerably better under new head coach Jeff Brohm and boasts an effective offense for the first time in years. Over the past three games, the offense averaged 35.7 points, 173 rushing yards, and 287 passing yards. A balanced offense is something the Wolverines don’t have, but their defense is uniquely equipped to stop the Boilermakers thanks to standouts like Devin Bush, Khaleke Hudson, and Chase Winovich.

It was only a matter of time before Jeff Brohm’s creative offensive designs had the previously plodding Boilermakers playing football that was pleasing to the eyes, but man, was that quick. Purdue opened 2-1 with a near-upset over Lamar Jackson’s Louisville and blowout victories over Ohio and Missouri.

It appears as though the Boilermakers are no longer a Big Ten doormat and could even make some noise in the West Division. For the future, they have a fairly young nucleus on offense and a recruiting class that could be close to adding a huge piece, four-star Texas WR commit Rondale Moore.

As a result, they have failed to score a touchdown in each of their last eight red-zone trips and have just one in 10 red-zone trips this year. That is a touchdown rate of 10.0 percent, which is 128th in the country.

This game is probably the biggest home game since that 2004 Wisconsin game for a variety of reasons. This is the most positive buzz Purdue has probably had since that game. It is also the first time in a very long time where we might have an actual home field advantage. The game quickly approaching a sellout with over 5,000 tickets sold since Saturday. A crowd of over 50,000 is expected, and that hasn’t happened since Notre Dame in 2013 (and only 12 times since the end of 2008). Purdue itself is playing with the most confidence we have seen in quite some time.

Big Ten East stands strong in rankings

Michigan is holding tough to the No. 8 spot in this week’s AP Poll, but the rest of the Big Ten East division is breathing down its neck. Wisconsin usurped Ohio State, taking the No. 9 spot, with the Buckeyes moving to No. 10. Penn State still holds the top ranking from the conference, sitting at No. 4 — and in reach of a possible College Football Playoff berth. With all these teams competing against each other at some point in 2017, there should be a clear-cut favorite heading into the Big Ten title game.

The Wolverines might not have the most effective offense in college football, but their defense is still one of the best. Purdue has flashed moments of promise compared to last year, but will still be too far outmatched by Jim Harbaugh and his khakis.