GoldandBlack.com breaks down how Purdue and Indiana State might match Saturday in Ross-Ade Stadium as both teams look for their first wins of the 2013 season.

When Purdue's running ...

Indiana State's in transition mode after losing key personnel from one of the FCS level's top defenses last season and is coming off giving up 73 at Indiana, largely the product of it not being able to stop the run. All that aside, any Big Ten team should be well-equipped to compete physically at the line of scrimmage against an FCS opponent. Purdue is concerned with Indiana State's movement and unconventional fronts, so its game-planning and execution will be put to the test, but we'd expect the Boilermakers to be able to have some success on the ground.

Advantage: Purdue (decided)

When Purdue's passing ...

Indiana State proved very vulnerable to the big play against IU, but Purdue has a very different offense than the Hoosiers' aerial attack. The Boilermakers were not clicking in any sense of the term at Cincinnati, but you'd think a week's worth of experience would produce modest gains, at the very least. It'll be interesting to see what adjustments Purdue makes now that it's got a game in the books.

Advantage: Purdue (slight)

When Indiana State is running ...

Assuming Indiana State offensive centerpiece Shakir Bell isn't playing after injuring his shoulder at IU, the Sycamores are without their best and most important player, one who accounted for nearly half their total offense in 2012. That said, Purdue will have to be more commanding up front and tackle better.

Advantage: Purdue (decided)

When Indiana State is passing ...

If Indiana State has to throw more than it would prefer, it might not be playing to its strengths. The Boilermakers should be more disruptive at the line of scrimmage than they were last week and turnovers could follow. Purdue's secondary is banged up but doesn't look like it'll be short-handed.

Advantage: Purdue (decided)

Special teams

Too early to tell what Purdue really has on special teams but you'd think this would be a game where it should have a speed advantage, at least. The punting game is off to a strong start. Placekicking has to be considered a question until proven otherwise.

Advantage: Purdue

Intangibles

Bell's loss - assuming he doesn't play - is a critical one for ISU. His nearly 1,500 rushing yards accounted for 44 percent of his team's total offense in 2012. … Purdue was turnover-prone at Cincinnati, throwing two interceptions and losing two of its five fumbles. ISU scored touchdowns on an interception and a fumble recovery on special teams at Indiana. … The Boilermakers do have some injuries in the secondary, but would seem like they'll have everyone on game day.