Purdue’s Senior Day memorable for wrong reasons in 38-14 loss
By BROCK SANDERS
ISL Correspondent
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – It was not a Senior Day to remember for Purdue.
Northwestern followed up its big win over Notre Dame by routing the Boilermakers 38-14 on Saturday afternoon.
It was a miserable day for the old gold and black because of the rain, the lack of excitement in half-empty Ross-Ade Stadium and of course, the final score.
It’s tough to try to analyze and explain how a team that can give you so much hope at times can come out and play like Purdue did against the Wildcats. Fifth-year senior Ryan Russell was asked what it was like walking off of the field for his last home game, and after a very long pause, he said, “I was just so upset at the outcome of the game, I really don’t know. I’m sad that’s the way we had to end it and I just feel bad for those other 20 seniors.”
The Wildcats had Purdue’s number all afternoon, starting with an interception on the third play from scrimmage. Northwestern led 14-0 before most Purdue fans knew what hit them.
“There were way too many big plays,” Russell said. “We have to limit some long drives and force some turnovers.”
In the first half, Purdue struggled mightily with turnovers, losing three fumbles and throwing an interception. As soon as the Boilermakers got something going, they would commit an unnecessary turnover.
It was very rainy at times during the game, and holding onto the ball was troublesome for both teams.
“It’s all about turnovers,” Purdue sophomore quarterback Austin Appleby said. “We moved the ball the entire game, and then time after time we would do something to shoot ourselves in the foot.”
Players and coaches will try to put this tough loss behind them and move onto one of the biggest rivalries in sports as they travel to Memorial Stadium in Bloomington next weekend to take on Indiana. It’s the biggest game of the year for both IU and Purdue fans, and a win would make Boiler fans feel a bit better about the season as a whole. Bragging rights are on the table for both teams, and Purdue fans are hoping the Old Oaken Bucket comes back to Purdue after next weekend.
The Wildcats played a great game, and Pat Fitzgerald’s squad now has a shot at a bowl game. Northwestern heads to Champaign next week to face Illinois seeking that necessary sixth win.
Once again, Purdue’s bowl game will be the finale with Indiana.
“We’re tearing the rearview mirror off of this thing tomorrow,” Appleby said. “Get the corrections made that we need to and all hands are on deck. We are focusing on IU.”
