Purdue went back to the two-quarterback game-plan that they’ve used for most of the year. Quarterback Elijah Sindelar had two costly interceptions in the game. Sindelar finished the game completing 15 of 29 passes for 138 yards. Fellow quarterback David Blough led the Boilermakers to their only touchdown of the game, throwing a touchdown pass to wide receiver Anthony Mahoungou, who made a one-handed catch with 25 seconds left to play. On the two-point conversion play, Blough rolled to his right but was under pressure and threw a jump ball that sailed over the heads of everybody and fell to the ground. Blough finished the game completing 8 of 15 passes for 57 yards and a touchdown. Mahoungou had four receptions for 47 yards and the score. “This was a disappointing game for us,” Purdue head coach Jeff Brohm said.
Purdue’s running game was balanced with three different backs over 50 yards. Running back D.J. Knox led the team with13 carries for 84 yards and fellow running backs Markell Jones and Richie Worship also contributed with a combined 18 carries for 119 yards.
Known for their running game, Rutgers was outgained in rushing yards by Purdue, 279-130 but played turnover free football, which was the difference in the game. Purdue outgained Rutgers in total offensive yards with 474 yards compared to217 by Rutgers. Purdue also had the edge in time of possession, possessing the ball for 32:06 compared to 27:54 for Rutgers. Purdue also dominated with 25 first downs while Rutgers only had eight first down. “I thought our performance was very lackluster and subpar and that starts with me,” Brohm said.
On paper, it looked like Purdue should’ve won by a couple of scores but the Rutgers defense held strong when they needed to and that’s the definition of bend but don’t break defense.
It doesn’t get any easier for the Boilermakers as they return home next week to face Nebraska. If Purdue can cut down on the turnovers and score points, while forcing some Nebraska turnovers they could very well come away with a victory.
Rutgers will travel to Ann Arbor to face the Michigan Wolverines in a game that at the beginning of the year may have screamed blowout but with the play by Michigan’s offense, Rutgers might have a shot.
