10 Observations Illinois game

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — This is what has us talking after Purdue’s 50-49 OT loss at Illinois on Saturday in Memorial Stadium.

1 – What a game! No Hudson Card, who was out in concussion protocol, no problem for Purdue (1-5 overall; 0-3 Big Ten). The Boilers roared back from a 27-3 third quarter deficit to take a 43-40 lead with 46 seconds left fueled by Ryan Browne, who was making his first career start and had 415 total yards. We knew Browne could run (118 yards), which he did with aplomb today. He’s nifty, tough and decisive. Browne also got better passing as the game progressed. He hit 18-of-26 attempts for 297 yards and three TDs. Purdue may have something in Browne.

“You pour a lot into it, and guys are fighting, fighting for you,” said Ryan Walters, who looked emotionally spent in the post-game. “You claw your way back when we haven’t done that this year. So, would have loved to win that game. Got to do more.”

2 – Should Purdue have gone for two points and the win after it tied the game in the first OT? Browne dropped to pass and was sacked. Game over.

“I left like offensively, we were clicking,” said Walters. “You got a chance … the game is in control, in your hands on that last play. So, wanted to make a decision to go for it. And I wouldn’t change that decision.”

3 – Walters … play-caller? Yep. The defensive coach was pushing the buttons on the offense. Crazy, huh? It worked. Jason Simmons, who assumed play-calling duties last week in the wake of Graham Harrell’s dismissal, was stationed in the press box today after being on the field last week. Purdue showed some flash and big play ability at times. The 49 points were the most by Purdue since tallying 49 vs. Indiana State in the first game.

“I called the plays today,” said Walters. “I felt like that was gonna give our team the best chance to win. That’s my job as the head coach, is to make decisions to give us a chance for success and I felt like I was the best chance.”

Will Walters continue to call plays?

“If it gives us the best chance to win,” he said.

PDF: Purdue-Illinois statistics

4 – Do we have a QB controversy? Browne looked awfully good, moving this offense better than it has all season vs. FBS foes. He’s a strong runner, tough and an improving passer. This is going to be interesting when Card gets back. Browne provided a spark that had been missing for weeks from this attack.

“He prepared his tail off all week,” said Walters. “Spent extra time with us. He brings some energy and some juice. Executed the game plan. Really proud with how he played.”

Walters didn’t comment on how the QB spot will play out moving forward.

“We’re coming off an emotional game,” he said.

5 – Speaking of the pass game … Purdue entered the day 16th in the Big Ten in passing (161.2 ypg). It blew by that today with its best passing effort since throwing for 335 yards vs. Indiana State in opener. The downfield pass game showed spark: A 53-yard TD catch by Jahmal Edrine and a 62-yard catch by Max Klare were highlights. Purdue has something to build on.

“Just week to week, you got some scheme plays,” said Walters about tweaks made to the offense this week. “Definitely want to utilize Ryan’s athletic ability, and you added an extra hat to the game by using him in the read game and RPOs. I thought he handled that well. Wanted to utilize the tight ends, as well, and try to get the ball out on the perimeter and get our playmakers the ball in space. The second half, we executed. The first half, just missed a couple opportunities, and had a couple penalties that stalled some drives. But they stuck with it and really proud of the way they played.”

6 – Would Purdue compete for four quarters? That had not been the case the previous four games, which the Boilermakers lost by an average of 35 points. But Purdue showed its most fight in weeks today, scoring 40 second half points. Purdue surged ahead 43-40 with 46 second left, rallying from a 27-3 third quarter deficit. This was the best the team has looked since the opener. The 536 total yards were the most since 583 vs. Indiana State in the opener, as the attack showed nice balance. Where has this been?

7 – First quarter woes continue for Purdue, which has not scored a point in the opening 15 minutes five games in a row. For the season, the Boilers have been outscored 45-7 in the first quarter. The lone TD came in the opener vs. FCS Indiana State. The slow starts have to stop. The loss ended Purdue’s four-game win streak vs. Illinois, and a six-game streak in Champaign.

8 – Third down had been a bugaboo for this offense. It just couldn’t sustain drives. That changed today. Purdue converted 5-of-10 third downs. It entered the game 17th in the Big Ten with a 30.5 percent (18- of-59) conversion rate.

PDF: Purdue-Illinois box score

9 – How anemic had the offense been before today? Purdue hadn’t scored a TD since the fourth quarter vs. Nebraska on Sept. 28 … six quarters ago … before the aforementioned Edrine TD grab. And then there is this: Purdue took a 3-0 lead vs. Nebraska. That had been the Boilermakers’ only lead vs. FBS foes in 2024 before the late 43-40 lead today.

10 – On to Oregon, which visits on Friday for a Black Out game at night. No doubt, the Ducks will be Purdue’s biggest test of the season to date with Ohio State and Penn State looming. A bye follows the next week.