Purdue entered preseason practice looking to settle on a middle linebacker.

It settled on two.

Seniors Josh Ferguson and Dan Bick are sharing the position, splitting snaps virtually down the middle.

The platoon worked well Saturday night at Toledo, as each recorded nine tackles as part of a solid showing from the defense in a 52-24 road victory.

Ferguson started, but Bick played just as much.

The coaching staff's intent is to have Ferguson on the field on early downs, when the opponent is more likely to run, and Bick on the field in passing situations, usually as part of Purdue's long-yardage sub-packages, like its nickel and dime sets.

"Josh is really good against the run and I find it natural playing against the pass, dropping into pass routes," said Bick, Purdue's leading tackler last season. "It definitely does bring out our strengths and what we're good at."

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