First Thoughts: Indiana 56, Purdue 36
By CHRIS GOFF
ISL Assistant Editor
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Quick thoughts on the Hoosiers’ 56-36 win over Purdue at Memorial Stadium:
What we learned: Indiana’s offense scored its most points ever against archrival Purdue and the Hoosiers ended a two-game losing streak in the Old Oaken Bucket game. Tre Roberson tied a school record with six touchdown passes after making a surprise start and also dominated with his legs. Roberson was 25-of-37 for 273 yards and a pair of interceptions, both at the hands of Purdue senior cornerback Ricardo Allen. Roberson was even better on the ground, with 21 carries for 154 yards. Many were designed rushes. The Hoosiers had seven touchdowns in their first eight possessions and set a new school record for total offense at 652 yards.
Defense gets embarrassed: Purdue’s defensive line failed to get any push, the secondary blew coverages, linebackers died on blocks and missed tackles in what was a horrendous performance. The Boilermakers had six tackes for loss and it barely made a difference because they let Indiana convert 16 of 18 third downs.
Play of Etling: An offense that came in averaging 13 points a game managed to put up what was easily a season-high 36 points, and freshman quarterback Danny Etling was the main reason. Even without the benefit of a threatening running game, Etling was 33-of-49 for 485 yards and three touchdowns.
Houston explodes again at Purdue’s expense: Running back Stephen Houston started his final college game and ran 17 times for 120 yards and two touchdowns. He crushed Purdue last season, too, in a 56-35 loss.
What’s next. The Hoosiers conclude their season at 5-7. Purdue finishes 1-11, its worst record since going 1-10 in 1993.
Follow Chris Goff on Twitter: chrisgoff_ISL.
