Written by Garin Turner
The Purdue Boilermakers (1-0) host the Southern Illinois Salukis (1-0) on Saturday, Sept. 6 at 7:30 PM EST on BTN at Ross-Ade Stadium. Purdue is coming off a 31-0 shutout of Ball State, while SIU dominated Thomas More College in a 49-3 victory.
Purdue quarterback Ryan Browne had a big day, completing 18 of 26 passes for 311 yards and two touchdowns. He also added a rushing score. Running back Devin Mockobee led the ground attack with 14 carries for 59 yards and a touchdown. Arhmad Branch caught three passes for 101 yards and a score, while Michael Jackson III hauled in six receptions for 72 yards and a touchdown.
The Boilermakers’ defense impressed, recording four total sacks. Jamarrion Harkless led the charge with 1.5 sacks. Mani Powell added one, while Breylon Charles, CJ Madden, and Sanders Ellis each contributed half a sack.
If Purdue wins, Barry Odom would become the first Boilermakers head coach to start 2-0 since 1916. It would also mark the program’s first 2-0 start since 2021. Last week, Purdue jumped out early, scoring 14 points in the opening quarter.
SIU took a commanding 28-3 halftime lead last week, fueled by 21 second-quarter points. Quarterback DJ Williams was sharp, throwing for 227 yards and three touchdowns on 17-of-24 passing. Ten different Salukis carried the ball a combined 35 times for 148 yards and three touchdowns. Defensively, SIU forced five turnovers, including two interceptions and three fumble recoveries.
Next Week
Purdue opens Big Ten play at home against USC on Sept. 13. SIU continues its three-game road stretch with a matchup at UT Martin on Sept. 13.
