Michigan used a surprisingly stingy defense and a strong running game en route to a 27-16 Big Ten win on Saturday in rainy West Lafayette, Ind.

The win was the second straight for Michigan (7-3, 3-3 Big Ten), while Purdue’s bowl prospects took a major hit in a sloppy game that saw 10 turnovers, five by each team.

The Wolverines raced to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter, then held on in the final period thanks to their much maligned defense, which held Purdue (4-6, 2-4 Big Ten) to just 244 total yards.

Michigan rotated quarterbacks Denard Robinson and Tate Forcier the entire second half, but it was the Wolverines' ground attack that saved the day. Michigan rushed for 202 yards, including 99 from Vincent Smith, who scored a touchdown early in the third quarter to extend Michigan’s lead to 20-13.

Robinson, who is second in the nation in total offense, had a rough day with four turnovers coming on a pair of interceptions and two lost fumbles. With Michigan clinging to a 20-16 lead late in the fourth quarter, Stephen Hopkins iced the game with a 3-yard touchdown run with 1:58 remaining.

Purdue, which did not score an offensive touchdown, scored on a fumble return for a score and three field goals. The Boilermakers must now win at Michigan State next weekend and in the season finale against rival Indiana to become bowl eligible.