Written by Garin Turner
The Purdue Boilermakers (0-1) look to get back on track as they host Eastern Michigan (1-0) Saturday at 12 AM EST on the Big Ten Network. The Boilermakers lost to Northwestern in its home opener last week 31-27. The Eagles beat Monmouth (NJ) 51-17 last week in its opener. Purdue leads the all-time series against Eastern Michigan 2-0. The Boilermakers are 42-12-1 against the MAC.
The comeback bid came up just short last week for Purdue. Northwestern got out to a 31-17 lead in the first half and Purdue’s defense stepped up in the second half, shutting out Northwestern but the lead was just a bit too much to overcome. Turnovers caused Purdue the game and they’ll look to correct those mistakes this week.
The Boilermakers continued with their two-quarterback system from last year. Elijah Sindelar threw three interceptions going 18 for 30 for 196 yards. He did throw for a touchdown. David Blough came in and ignited the comeback attempt. Blough was 12 for 16 for 74 yards.
A bright spot last week for the Boilermakers was the run game. D.J. Knox carried seven times for 77 yards and a score. Rondale Moore carried twice for 79 yards and a score. Purdue ran for 202 yards on 25 attempts. Moore was also the leading receiver for the Boilermakers with 11 receptions for 109 yards and a touchdown. Moore is the first freshman in school history to debut with a 100-yard receiving game.
Eight freshmen made their debut last week for the Eagles. The new players where responsible for 23 of the team’s 51 points. Wide receiver Dylan Drummond caught two passes for 42 yards and a score. Backup quarterback Jarius Grissom scored his first touchdown with a 20-yard run.
Starting quarterback Tyler Wiegers was 18 for 21 for 238 yards with two touchdowns. He completed his first nine attempts. Eastern Michigan ran the ball 39 times for 171 yards. Shaq Vann was the leading rusher with 12 carries for 46 yards. Blake Banham lead the receiving corps with eight catches for 103 yards and a touchdown. Both teams gave up a lot of yards on defense so that will be an emphasis in game two for both squads.
