WEST LAFAYETTE -
Purdue has a chance to qualify for a bowl game. Indiana has a chance to play spoiler.
Purdue (5-6, 3-4 Big Ten) needs to win Saturday at Indiana to take back the Old Oaken Bucket and qualify for postseason play.
Coach Danny Hope also could solidify his status amid grumbling fans and low attendance. Athletic director Morgan Burke said before the season that he expected the team to play in a bowl game.
A loss would be Purdue's second straight against its in-state rival, and the Boilermakers' third straight losing season under Hope. Purdue hasn't played in a bowl game since 2007.
Indiana (1-10, 0-7) is playing for pride and views this matchup as its bowl game.
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