PURDUE (5-1) AT MICHIGAN (4-2)

* Kickoff: Saturday 9 a.m. PDT.

* TV: Big Ten Network.

* Line: Michigan by 5 1/2.

* Purdue update: The Boilermakers had their first real test last week but couldn’t move the ball in a 23-7 loss to Ohio State. So a team that averaged 45 points and nearly 500 yards though five games may have been exposed as a fraud. A victory against the Wolverines would, to an extent, legitimize Purdue again. Quarterback Curtis Painter is third in the nation with 19 touchdown passes, but the Boilermakers’ defense is giving up 383.3 yards a game. Purdue hasn’t defeated Michigan since 2000 and has won only two of the last 16 meetings.

* Michigan update: The Wolverines have won four consecutive games in an effort to rebuild their season. They have been grinding it out with running back Mike Hart, who leads the nation with 976 rushing yards. The Wolverines have given up only 11.8 points a game during their win streak and are eighth in the nation in sacks with 22. Brandon Graham has seven.

* Story line: Ohio State may be the top team in the Big Ten, but these teams are still in the discussion. Michigan could be the comeback story of the year if it keeps winning. Purdue, with one conference loss already, could be knocked out of the title race.

* The pick: Michigan. Look for quarterback Chad Henne to open up the passing game as Purdue keys on stopping Hart.

- PETER YOON