Michigan vs. Purdue tonight: start time, channel, Justice Haynes ruled out, and what it means for the Wolverines’ offense

Prime time returns to Ann Arbor as No. 21 Michigan hosts Purdue under the lights at Michigan Stadium. Kickoff is 7:00 p.m. ET (6:00 p.m. CT / 4:00 p.m. PT / 12:00 a.m. GMT / 2:00 a.m. Cairo) on Big Ten Network. It’s a showcase spot with Big Ten positioning on the line—and it arrives with a major lineup twist: star running back Justice Haynes is out with a foot injury.

How to watch Michigan vs. Purdue

• TV: Big Ten Network (BTN)

• Streaming: Major live-TV providers that carry BTN; team and league apps will carry live radio

• Radio: Local and satellite affiliates across both markets

• Venue: Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor

• Gameday notes: Military Appreciation Game; Michigan wearing all-blue home uniforms

The headline: Justice Haynes sidelined

Michigan’s offensive identity has leaned on Haynes all fall—explosive runs, contact balance, and late-game closer work. With him ruled out tonight, the backfield pivots to Jordan Marshall as the lead option, with freshman depth available to spell him. The immediate effects:

• Run-game mix: Expect more duo and inside zone for Marshall, with RPO tags to keep Purdue from overloading the box.

• Short passing tilt: More quick-game and play-action to put early completions on the board and keep the chains on schedule.

• Red-zone sequencing: Michigan has favored heavy personnel with Haynes; without him, look for tight end leaks, rubs, and quick outs to replace some of the downhill calls.

Michigan will also patch multiple defensive absences at linebacker and in the secondary, raising the premium on clean tackling and rush-discipline against Purdue’s screen and quick-out packages.

Stakes and the state of the teams

• Michigan (6–2, 4–1 Big Ten): Fresh off a rivalry win and pushing to keep pressure on the league leaders. A convincing home performance keeps momentum ahead of a November close that still has room to climb the rankings.

• Purdue (2–6, 0–5): The record hides some fight—close losses and flashes on both sides of the ball—but margin for error is gone. An upset would reset the mood in West Lafayette and snap a six-game slide.

Oddsmakers have installed Michigan as a three-touchdown favorite with totals in the high-40s. That pricing reflects a talent gap, home field, and the Wolverines’ defensive ceiling—even with a thinner depth chart.

Matchup keys

1) Michigan’s rushing efficiency without Haynes
Marshall’s vision and acceleration can keep the run game efficient if the offensive line wins the first strike. Watch early inside runs: if they’re netting 4+ yards on first down, the playbook stays open and play-action gains teeth.

2) Purdue’s protection vs. simulated pressure
Michigan mixes coverages and simulated pressures to generate one-on-ones without sacrificing back-end numbers. If Purdue identifies and picks up those five-man looks, shot plays to the boundary become possible; if not, negative plays stack fast.

3) Third-down distance
This game tilts on staying out of third-and-long. Michigan wants 3rd-and-4 or less to avoid leaning too hard on deep drops with a reshuffled run plan. Purdue’s best defense is forcing the Wolverines to throw into tight windows on known passing downs.

4) Red-zone finish
Field goals kept opponents alive in earlier Michigan outings. The Wolverines’ answer should be condensed sets—tight splits, bunch, and motion—to manufacture leverage without a bell-cow back. Purdue needs at least one red-zone stop and one short field to hang late.

Quarterbacks and pass catchers to watch

• Michigan — Bryce Underwood: Poised at home, he’s at his best on rhythm throws off motion and play-action. If the run threat holds, intermediate digs and crossers to the slot will be there.

• Michigan — perimeter playmakers: Expect schemed touches—jet, bubbles, and orbit motion—to function as run-game extensions.

• Purdue — QB room: A young tandem has rotated; quick decisions and ball security are non-negotiable against a defense that thrives on tips and takeaways.

• Purdue — WR1/TE: Look for quick outs, slants, and seams off play-action to challenge a shorthanded second level.

Special teams and hidden yards

Cold, calm conditions set up a clean kicking night. That raises the importance of punt placement, coverage lanes, and return decisions—areas where Michigan has stolen possessions this season. Purdue must avoid the field-position snowball; a single coverage bust can flip a quarter against a heavy favorite.

What a win would signal

• Michigan: Depth and adaptability. Handling business minus a star runner suggests an offense that can shift styles when November asks it to.

• Purdue: Validation of fight. Forcing the fourth quarter in a hostile prime-time environment would show tangible growth and give the staff proof points for the room.

Fast answers fans are searching

• What time/channel is the Michigan game on today? 7:00 p.m. ET on BTN.

• Is Justice Haynes playing? No—ruled out (foot).

• Where to watch Purdue vs. Michigan? BTN on cable/satellite; major live-TV streamers that include BTN; radio on each school’s network.

• Uniforms? Michigan in all-blue for the prime-time home game.

The line says comfortable—Haynes’ absence says “earn it.” If Michigan hits first-down efficiency and protects the ball, the Wolverines have multiple paths to a cover. If Purdue snags a takeaway, wins a special-teams moment, and turns third downs into a slog, settle in—prime time could get interesting.