Observations on the first half with the Boilermakers, 7-10

Purdue gained two red zones, and converted both for 10 points. Michigan gained one red zone, and converted it for 7 points. The Boilermakers gained 3 points off one Wolverine turnover.

Offense was bad, really bad! John O'Korn came in for an injured Wilton Speight, and hit 7 of 10 passes for 92 yards and a TD to Zach Gentry. Wilton Speight left after completing 2 of 4 for 10 yards. Our offensive line couldn't establish a running game; Karan Higdon had 10 carries for 31 net yards, and the team had 9 first downs with 29 net yards after deducting 3 sacks. We were forced into 5 punts with 4 "3 and outs," and held a 3 minute time of possession advantage. We were only two of 8 in 3rd down conversions. Gelen Robinson and T.J. McCollum led Purdue with 5 tackles each.

Defense was excellent! We held the Boilermakers to 4 "3 and outs," forced 6 punts, zero of 7 in 3rd down conversions, 8 first downs, and held them to 179 net yards with only 32 on the ground. They hit 10 of 20 passes for 134 yards and a TD. Terry Wright led Purdue with 3 catches for 59 yards, but it was Brycen Hopkins to scored the TD on a 10 yarder. Mike McCray led the defense with 4 tackles.

Special Teams was solid! James Foug kicked off twice for two touchbacks. Brad Robbins replaced Will Hart as punter, and averaged 41 yards on 5 punts.

We must move the ball offensively, and convert on red zone opportunities while continuing to play stout defense if we are to come home undefeated. Go Blue!