Points After: Purdue's win over Indiana State
Purdue looked mostly sharp Saturday in opening its 2024 season on the right foot, beating Indiana State 49-0, a game that was more one-sided than the final score may reflect.
Hudson Card threw for four touchdowns on 24-of-25 passing in the first half as Purdue led by three scores at the break and never looked back.
PDF: Purdue-Indiana State statistics
A few quick takeaways …
• The game was what it was and no one should beat their chest over beating ISU like this, but this was a really sound, nearly flawless performance for both the offense and defense.
The lone blip was really penalty-ridden end to the first half that probably kept this from being a four- or five-touchdown spread at half. Purdue let up a bit there, it seemed, but tat was also not a great strech for the offensive line as part of an otherwise satisfactory day.
• Again, this was a de facto exhibition game, but Hudson Card was razor-sharp and seemed to be on a pretty good wave length with his receivers, especially Jahmal Edrine (four catches, 59 yards, and one big play taken away by penalty), who looked like the No. 1 guy Purdue needs him to be, while the tight ends were the foundation of the passing game. Newcomer Leland Smith caught a 31-yard TD.
• Passing rhythm really busted open the running game. This entire game was a nice example of complementary football. Purdue ran for 244 yards, with Devin Mockobee racking up 89 on just 11 carries and Reggie Love adding a TD in his Boilermaker debut. Walk-on Elijah Jackson broke off a 69-yard TD in the fourth quarter, while Jaheim Merriweather rounded out the scoring with two minutes left..
