FINAL: Purdue Boilermakers dominated by Nebraska Cornhuskers, 44-7
By Evan Reller
Oct 12, 2013; West Lafayette, IN, USA; Purdue Boilermakers cornerback Frankie Williams (24) intercepts a pass while defending Nebraska Cornhuskers running back Amer Abdullah (8) at Ross Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
The Purdue Boilermakers suffered another loss on Saturday. The Nebraska Cornhuskers blew out the Boilers, 44-7.
The loss dropped Purdue to 1-5 on the season, and 0-2 in the Big Ten.
Danny Etling’s debut at quarterback might be one he’d rather forget. The true freshman was an abysmal 14-for-35 for 184 yards and an interception. He did manage one touchdown in the final minute of the game.
The silver lining may be that the Boilers have found a new primary receiver in DeAngelo Yancy. The freshman wide out had five receptions for 146 yards and the touchdown.
Akeem Hunt was held to 57 yards rushing off 10 carries. He also only had two receptions for five yards.
Purdue’s offense was especially bad on third down, converting just 3-of-14 attempts and going 0-for-3 on fourth down.
Purdue made a perlexing move by switching from a 4-3 defense to a 3-4 mid-season. That’s a move most would only make in the offseason. Coach Darrell Hazell said he did it to get more playmakers on the field at the same time.
The switch wasn’t all that effective as Purdue gave up 435 yards of offense to the Cornhuskers. The defense did manage to force three interceptions, but the offense was unable to do anything with them.
Nebraska had 21 first downs (Purdue just 11) and was 11-for-21 on third down conversions. The Cornhuskers also held the ball for over 37 minutes of play.
Up next, the Boilermakers will head to East Lansing to face the best defense in the country in Michigan State.
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