In a battle of the Big Ten’s two worst teams, IU trails Purdue 6-0 in the battle for the Old Oaken Bucket.
Purdue’s six points came on a pair of field goals. The first was a 26-yard make by kicker Paul Griggs after a 14 play, 59 yard drive stalled out in the red zone in the opening minute of the second quarter.
The second came with 2:59 left in the half after another drive stalled out in the red zone that was set up by an IU mistake.
Senior receiver Shane Wynn muffed a punt that he misjudged to give Purdue the ball at the IU 20-yard line. Purdue managed to go just 11 yards on six plays, but the field position from the muffed punt allowed for the 26-yard make.
IU’s closest scoring chance came on its second drive of the day. A Purdue fumble gave IU possession at the Purdue 35-yard line. IU moved the ball 14 yards to set up a 38-yard field goal attempt by freshman Griffin Oakes.
Oakes’ attempt hardly left the ground and fell short and to the left.
IU freshman quarterback Zander Diamont finished the half 8-of-14 passing for 51 yards.
The Hoosiers had a brief injury scare when junior running back Tevin Coleman was slow to leave the field in the first quarter, but he returned. He finished the half with 55 yards on 10 carries.
Purdue quarterback Austin Appleby was 10-of-21 passing for 55 yards and two interceptions. The interceptions were thrown to freshman safety Chase Dutra and junior cornerback Michael Hunter.
Purdue running back Akeem Hunt accounted for most of the Purdue offense with 88 yards on 16 carries.
IU has struggled mostly to move the ball consistently. The Hoosiers have just four first downs and 104 yards of total offense. Purdue has 12 first downs and 171 yards of total offense.
Purdue will receive the ball to start the second half.
Sam Beishuizen
