Each Friday during the season, we'll be taking a look at a Big Ten player to watch when the games kick off Saturday.
This week's selection: Purdue quarterback Caleb TerBush
Saturday assignment: vs. Michigan (4 p.m., Big Ten Network)
Saturday's clash is crucial for both the Wolverines and Boilermakers in their quest to win division titles. Michigan can't afford a loss with road games still looming at Nebraska and Ohio State, while Purdue begins its defining stretch of the year.
The Boilers are going to need a great game from TerBush in this one. Robert Marve might play, but we wouldn't expect him to do too much less than a month after an ACL tear, so this Purdue offense is all TerBush's. He threw for 294 yards and four touchdowns last week against a shaky Marshall defense. The challenge goes up several notches this week against a Michigan defense that has made steady strides since the season began and has had two weeks to prepare for this one.
TerBush won the starting job because of his decision-making, and he must take care of the ball this week. The Boilers can't have another showing like he had against Notre Dame, when he tossed two interceptions in a 20-17 loss. TerBush has lots of weapons around him, like Antavian Edison, Gary Bush, O.J. Ross and the two Akeems (Shavers and Hunt). If he can distribute the ball efficiently and avoid costly mistakes, Purdue will have a chance for an important win.
