FINAL: Purdue Boilermakers dominated by Northern Illinois, 55-24

Sep 28, 2013; West Lafayette, IN, USA; Purdue Boilermakers quarterback Danny Etling (5) passes the ball against the Northern Illinois Huskies at Ross Ade Stadium. Northern Illinois won 55-24. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports

The Purdue Boilermakers were dealt a devastating loss at home on Saturday. The Boilers were beaten by Northern Illinois, 55-24.

Purdue was unable to keep the Huskies from scoring in the first half, until the final minutes of the second quarter. NIU wasn’t satisfied with a 27-10 halftime lead, and opened the second half with three more touchdowns in the third quarter.

Purdue was able to move the ball, but simply couldn’t find the end zone. The Boilermakers outgained the Huskies 524-402 yards. But five turnovers by Purdue doomed any hope of a win for the home team. The short fields created by the turnovers didn’t give the defense much room to work with, but the Boilers did hold NIU to a 36-percent conversion rate on third down.

Rob Henry started at quarterback, but he wouldn’t last for the first half. Henry was 5-for-16 for 130 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions.

Danny Etling replaced Henry late in the second quarter. The true freshman threw for 241 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. Etling is the future of the program, and at this point in the season its clear that Henry is not going to cut it at QB.

Akeem Hunt has his usual heavy workload. Hunt had 11 carries for 37 yards and two receptions for 67 yards, one for a touchdown. He also had three kickoff returns.

Wideout Deangelo Yancey emerged as a viable receiver down field as he snagged seven passes for 117 yards.

The Boilermakers hurt themselves in the first half with seven penalties, five of which were accepted.

Purdue is off this week before they welcome Nebraska to West Lafayette.

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