WHO HAS THE EDGE?
OFFENSE -- The Gophers' offense has scored 77 points this season, 41 fewer than any other team in the Big Ten. After an anemic three quarters in a 27-0 loss at Northwestern last weekend, freshman Demry Croft replaced QB Mitch Leidner. But against Purdue, Leidner will start his 15th straight game. The Gophers want to run the football with RBs Rodney Smith and Shannon Brooks, but an offensive line shakeup could limit their effectiveness. ... After QB Austin Appleby threw six interceptions in three games, he was replaced by freshman David Blough.