“Progressing” Boilers Are Catnip in Evanston

After rolling up 55 on the Huskers two weeks ago, Purdue has seemingly forgotten how to score, totaling just 28 in the eight quarters since then. I picture John Shoop looking at his playsheet from the Nebraska game and just crumpling it up and throwing it away because he didn’t like someone’s posture during a timeout or something. “THIS WAS NOT PERFECT IN EVERY WAY AND THUS I DO NOT WANT TO EVER EXPERIENCE IT AGAIN.” The Boilers hung with the Cats but it should be noted that Northwestern has been known for a weak offense this season. Purdue’s first play from scrimmage was a 68 yard bomb from David Blough to Dominique Young that tied the game at 7. Markell Jones scored a rushing TD early in the third quarter and steamrolled some Cats along the way. Those were basically your Purdue highlights for the day.

Northwestern turned the ball over three times, but Purdue capitalized on zero of them. In the fourth quarter, which the two teams entered tied up at 14-14, Purdue had twelve yards of offense.

"It's that last quarter and one-half where we got to make a play," coach Darrell Hazell said. "We have to make a play."

Uh, yeah. It’s that almost-half-the-game where your guys didn’t make a play in a tie game that was yet again there for the taking.

In other news, Paul Griggs was finally asked to attempt a field goal for the first time since the Bowling Green game on September 26. He missed, though, meaning his last made field goal came two months ago against Virginia Tech.

David Blough was 26/45 for 287 with a TD and an INT. Markell Jones left with what appeared to be a knee injury, which would just about make sense in this tire fire of a season.

Up next? A trip to Iowa, who is currently 10-0 and trying to force their way into the CFB Playoff. Should be a hoot.