GoldandBlack.com: Eraser

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (GoldandBlack.com) - Purdue is looking for more than a win when it travels to Michigan on Saturday.

The Boilermakers are also looking for redemption after last week's 37-0 loss at Wisconsin.

"We all feel like we have something to prove now after getting beat the way we got beat," linebacker [db]Chris Carlino[/db] said. "There's a feeling we have to re-establish ourselves as a team."

Purdue (3-6 overall, 2-3 Big Ten) had been riding a two-game winning streak prior to its game at Wisconsin. The Boilermakers were riding momentum of wins over then-No. 7 Ohio State and Illinois.

Against the Badgers in Camp Randall, nothing went right for Purdue, as all facets fell apart in the program's worst loss since 1996.

"It was a strange feeling on Sunday," said offensive tackle [db]Dennis Kelly[/db]. "It was like, 'What happened?' But we picked everything up and we've gone back to everything we're used to doing. We had a really good practice (Tuesday)."

Cornerback [db]David Pender[/db] said the loss at Wisconsin was physically and mentally draining.

"It was a little bit of shock and the body was worn down," Pender said after Tuesday's practice. "Especially for us, we're not used to playing a run team like that of that caliber. We were tired and beat down a little bit.

"Sunday everybody was a little tired, but we came out today and had a great practice. You can tell everybody is excited to go to the Big House and try to get a big win."

Purdue was riding renewed hopes of reaching a post-season bowl prior to last week. Now, the Boilermakers will need to win the final three games to be eligible for post-season play.

"I don't know anybody on this team that wants to give up on anything," Pender said. "We're still positive about everything we're doing. Everybody is still positive and working hard.

"Even though the season hasn't gone the way we all wanted to, we're not going to give up or quit. We're all still motivated and we all still want to win."

Purdue will attempt to accomplish several rare feats against Michigan, including winning in the Big House for the first time since 1966.

"It's going to be a great experience for us playing in a historic stadium like that and an atmosphere like that," Pender said. "My first experience (playing) there was like, 'Wow.'"

Kelly's second career game came against Michigan in last year's 48-42 win, which was decided by a hook-and-ladder touchdown late in the game.

"I remember playing in the game and the whole atmosphere playing a team and program like Michigan," Kelly said. "The final quarter was definitely something I'm going to remember forever."

Much as last year, Kelly will line up opposite Michigan defensive end [db]Brandon Graham[db], who had 20 tackles for a loss and 10 sacks last season. This year, Graham already has six sacks.

"He was a good player then and I'm sure he's much better now," Kelly said. "I was watching film on him and he's explosive. It's a good thing I played (Wisconsin defensive end O'Brien) Schofield last week, to get me prepared for this."

Kelly and his linemates can take some satisfaction from last week's loss at Wisconsin. Schofield entered the game as the nation's leader in tackles for a loss. Against Purdue, Schofield did not have a tackle for a loss.

"I think the whole line took some pride in that we shut down a player of that caliber," Kelly said. "Hopefully we can play up to that potential this week."

More importantly, Kelly and teammates want to erase memories of Wisconsin.

"This week we're going to try to come out and prove that the two weeks before (the Wisconsin game) weren't a fluke," Kelly said. "We're going to come out these next three games and continue to fight hard."