FINAL: Purdue Boilermakers Fall to Iowa Hawkeyes, 38-14
By Evan Reller
Nov 2, 2013; West Lafayette, IN, USA; Purdue Boilermakers quarterback Danny Ertling (5) throws a pass against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ross Ade Stadium. Ohio State defeats Purdue 56-0. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
The Purdue Boilermakers suffered yet another blowout loss on Saturday. Despite showing some signs of life on offense, the Boilers still fell to the Iowa Hawkeyes, 38-14.
Purdue found the end zone for the first time since October 12th. The Boilers also took their first snaps in the red zone since September 28th. They were 8-for-17 on third down, by far the best percentage of the season.
Danny Etling had his best game as a starter. He was 15-for-28 for 145 yards and a touchdown. When given time, Etling was poised and made some exceptional throws. Austin Appleby came in during garbage time and tossed another touchdown.
Akeem Hunt led the team in receiving once again with seven catches for 63 yards. He struggled running the ball, with just nine yards on seven carries.
Purdue struggled to run the ball all afternoon against the stout Hawkeyes linebackers. The Boilers ended the game with just 53 yards rushing.
The Boilermakers made some baby steps on offense today after being shutout for the past two weeks. While this team is unlikely to win another game this season, Purdue is making steps in the right direction (at least on offense).
The biggest issue for the Boilermakers? Stopping the run. The Hawkeyes amassed 307 yards on the ground alone.
The entire defense was a mess for Purdue who gave up a total of 498 yards to Iowa.
Purdue kept the game close for most of the first half, and were down just 14-7 at halftime. The Boilermakers gave up 31 unanswered points before a late touchdown with the game already out of hand.
Purdue is in desperate need of a win (if only to give hope to next season), but right now it doesn’t look like there will be one left on the schedule. The Boilers will be on the road for two of their final three games. Penn State on the road is a loss, Illinois at home is a toss up, and IU on the road is likely a loss.
Up next the Boilermakers will hit the road to face Penn State on November 16th.
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