The Purdue Boilermakers (2-5, 1-3 Big Ten) faced a tough challenge on Saturday, October 14, 2023, when they hosted the No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes (6-0, 3-0 Big Ten) at Ross-Ade Stadium. The Buckeyes showed why they are one of the best teams in the country, as they dominated the Boilermakers in both offense and defense, winning the game by a score of 41-7.
Ohio State quarterback Kyle McCord had a stellar performance, throwing for 276 yards and three touchdowns, while also rushing for 20 yards and one touchdown. He connected with wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. for a 105-yard touchdown in the first quarter, the longest pass play in Ohio State history. He also found tight end Cade Stover for two more touchdowns in the second and third quarters.
The Buckeyes also had a balanced running game, with running back Dallan Hayden leading the way with 76 yards and one touchdown. Wide receiver Xavier Johnson added 39 yards on the ground, while running back Chip Trayanum chipped in with 28 yards.
Ohio State’s defense was equally impressive, as they shut out Purdue in the first half and held them to only 248 yards of total offense. They also forced two turnovers, an interception by cornerback Denzel Burke and a fumble recovery by linebacker Tommy Eichenberg. The Buckeyes sacked Purdue quarterbacks Hudson Card and Bennett Meredith four times, with defensive end Zach Harrison recording two of them.
Purdue Struggles to Score Against Ohio State’s Defense
Purdue’s offense had a hard time moving the ball against Ohio State’s defense, as they failed to score any points in the first half and missed three field goal attempts by kicker Mitchell Fineran. The Boilermakers’ only touchdown came in the fourth quarter, when Card threw a 22-yard pass to wide receiver Deion Burks, who made a diving catch in the end zone.
Purdue’s running game was led by freshman running back Devin Mockobee, who rushed for a career-high 110 yards on 15 carries. He was one of the few bright spots for the Boilermakers, who averaged only 4.1 yards per play.
Purdue’s passing game was ineffective, as Card completed only 11 of 24 passes for 126 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He was replaced by Meredith in the fourth quarter, who completed one of two passes for eight yards. Purdue’s leading receiver was wide receiver Mershawn Rice, who had three catches for 50 yards.
Purdue’s defense was unable to stop Ohio State’s offense, as they allowed 41 points and 534 yards of total offense. They also gave up nine plays of 20 yards or more, including four touchdowns. Purdue’s only sack came from defensive end George Karlaftis, who also had six tackles.
Ohio State Remains Undefeated and Eyes the College Football Playoff
With the win over Purdue, Ohio State improved to 6-0 overall and 3-0 in the Big Ten, remaining undefeated and on track for a spot in the College Football Playoff. The Buckeyes have won their last six games by an average margin of 32 points, scoring at least 40 points in each game.
Ohio State coach Ryan Day praised his team’s performance after the game, saying that they played with “great energy” and “great focus”. He also complimented McCord’s development as a quarterback, saying that he has “grown up a lot” since his first start against Akron.
Ohio State will face another test next week, when they travel to Bloomington to take on the Indiana Hoosiers (2-4, 0-3 Big Ten), who have lost their last three games. The Buckeyes will look to extend their winning streak over the Hoosiers to 27 games, dating back to 1988.
Purdue Falls to 2-5 and Looks Ahead to Next Season
With the loss to Ohio State, Purdue dropped to 2-5 overall and 1-3 in the Big Ten, falling below .500 for the first time this season. The Boilermakers have lost their last two games by a combined score of 61-21, scoring only one touchdown in each game.
Purdue coach Jeff Brohm expressed his disappointment after the game, saying that his team was “outplayed” and “outcoached” by Ohio State. He also said that his team needs to “find ways to get better” and “compete harder” in the remaining games.
Purdue will have a bye week next week, before returning to action on October 28, when they host the Wisconsin Badgers (4-1, 2-0 Big Ten), who have won their last two games by a combined score of 65-13. The Boilermakers will try to snap a 15-game losing streak against the Badgers, dating back to 2004.
