Ten observations: Purdue at Michigan

Here is what has us talking after Purdue’s 41-13 loss to Michigan in the Big House on Saturday night.

1 – Yet another slow start, as Michigan jumped to a 17-0 lead in the first quarter as it scored on all three of its possessions. The Boilermakers were out gained 168-23 in the opening 15 minutes. On the season, Purdue has been out scored 54-9 in the first quarter.

2 – The offensive struggles continued. In the three previous games–losses to Iowa, Ohio State and Nebraska–Purdue had a 51.9 percent completion percent, 11.7 points, 265.0 yards and 7.7 plays of 10 or more yards. And the offense score a total of 28 points. The Boilers finished with 269 yards tonight, going 1-of-14 on third downs.

“They got a lot of good players back there,” Sanoussi Kane said. “Obviously, Will Johnson. I’ve seen Will Johnson since high school, I knew he was going to be a stud.”

3 – Hudson Card is under duress. It’s a common sight to see No. 1 feel the heat quickly, rarely stepping up into the pocket–if there is a pocket–or stepping into his throws. Card has to feel shell-shocked and hurried each time he drops. He hit 12-of-28 passes for 144 yards with a TD and interception. His last pass was his best, a 24-yard beauty for a TD to Deion Burks.

“There are a couple plays (I’d want back),” Card said. “You know, I was maybe a little hesitant.”

4 – Ryan Walters created a stir on his radio show on Thursday when he was asked about sign stealing allegations by Michigan: “It’s unfortunate. What’s crazy is they weren’t allegations. It happened. There’s video evidence. There’s ticket purchases and sales that you can track back. We know for a fact that they were at a number of our games, so we’ve had to teach our guys a new language in terms of some signals.”

That sound bite blew up and gained traction on a national level. No doubt, it likely helped fuel Michigan on this night.

“I didn’t think so,” said Walters when asked tonight if he thought his comments would create such a stir. “Usually when you tell the truth, it’s not like a big deal.

“I was making breakfast Friday morning and got a cup of coffee and turned on SportsCenter and I was on the ticker. It was like an ‘Oh, OK moment.’ I’m not shy about speaking truth. If I had to do it over again, I’d say the same thing.”

5 – The subject of signing stealing was the big pregame buzz. Could a suspension be looming for Jim Harbaugh? On this night, the Wolverines didn’t need any help to overwhelm the Boilermakers, who have now lost four in a row.

“I was just calling a spade a spade, really. In terms of advantages or disadvantages, just stating what happened,” said Walters tonight about his remarks from Thursday.

The post-game handshake between Harbaugh and Walters was, ahem, brief.

“I shook his hand and came to the locker room,” he said.

6 – The struggles of the o-line persist. The unit started two backup tackles Ben Farrell and Daniel Johnson. Depth was further compromised as reserve tackle/guard Josh Kaltenberger also was out. At one point in the second quarter, Gus Hartwig moved from center to right tackle with Austin Johnson taking over at center when Johnson left for a bit.

7 – After a rough first quarter in which it allowed 168 yards, the defense played well for the most part over the final three quarters. After allowing Michigan to score on its first three drives, Purdue turned back Michigan on five of its next six drives. The halftime score was 20-6, Michigan. Alas, the Wolverine attack found life late to push out the score, finishing with 445 yards.

“I felt like we played the way you’re supposed to play,” Walters said. “I feel like especially the first two series defensively. You know, credit them, they came out with a really good script.”

8 – The field-goal drought is over, as Ben Freehill drilled a 32-yarder in the second quarter to cut Michigan’s lead to 20-3. It was Purdue’s first made field goal since Sept. 30 vs. Illinois, ending an 0-for-5 drought. Freehill later hit a 31-yard field.

9 – The big plays were lacking again. Purdue had just two passes over 15 yards and five runs over 10. No way this offense was going to have success without big plays.

9 – Michigan did not cover the 32.5-point spread, a victory of sorts for the Boilers. Purdue was a 30-point-plus underdog twice in the last decade: 2014 vs. Notre Dame (-30) at Lucas Oil Stadium and in 2013 vs. Ohio State (-31.5) at Ross-Ade Stadium.

10 – The loss is Purdue’s seventh of the season, officially ending bowl hopes. What’s next for the 2-7 Boilermakers? The team will try to sort through its roster and finish with some mojo vs. three teams that it presumably has a shot to beat: Minnesota, Northwestern and Indiana. Still, none will be a push-over.

“I am not going to forfeit an opportunity to win a game for gaining experience,” Walters said.