Purdue Boilermakers vs. Michigan Wolverines football rivalry history
The Purdue Boilermakers and Michigan Wolverines will renew their conference rivalry this weekend as they meet for the 61st time. The rivalry, which traces back to 1890, features two teams that are original members of the Big Ten. Here's a closer look at the history between the two programs.
Purdue Boilermakers vs. Michigan Wolverines rivalry record
The Purdue Boilermakers and Michigan Wolverines first played in 1890, with the Wolverines winning a 34-6 blowout. Michigan also holds a 46-14 record in the series, which has seen the two programs play just twice since 2012, with one of the matchups coming in last year's Big Ten championship period.
For a 15-year period between 1980 and 1995, the Wolverines won 13 of the 14 games between the two programs. Michigan won a rivalry-record nine straight games to end the stretch.
The Boilermaker's most recent win in the series came in 2009 as they won 38-36, however, the Wolverines have won the past five games. Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh holds a 2-0 record in the rivalry, winning in 2017 and 2022. Purdue coach Ryan Walter will make his rivalry debut this weekend.
Purdue Boilermakers vs. Michigan Wolverines biggest games
The Michigan Wolverines hold the largest margin of victory to date. While they hold several 40-point victories over their rivals, it was their 1974 matchup that was the biggest blowout in the all-time series.
Michigan entered the matchup as the No.3-ranked team in the nation with a perfect 9-0 record, while Purdue was just 3-5-1. The Wolverines won by a score of 51-0, however, they lost their final game of the season to the Ohio State Buckeyes, finishing the year with a 10-1 record and ranking third in the nation. Meanwhile, the Boilermakers bounced back, beating the Indiana Hoosiers in their final game to finish 4-6-1.
Purdue's biggest victory in the series came in 1962. The Boilermakers entered the matchup with a 1-1-1 record, while the Wolverines were 1-2. Purdue was able to defeat them 37-0.
Purdue Boilermakers vs. Michigan Wolverines 2023 preview
The Purdue Boilermakers will enter their Week 9 matchup with the No.2-ranked Michigan Wolverines with a 2-5 record. Meanwhile, Michigan will enter with an 8-0 record.
The Boilermakers have averaged 23.0 points per game, which ranks 102nd out of 133 teams in the nation. Furthermore, they have allowed just 29.9 ppg, which ranks 101st. The Wolverines have scored 40.6 ppg, which ranks sixth while allowing just 5.9 points per game, which ranks first.