As the Purdue Boilermakers head to Northwestern for a critical Game 7 of the season, the stakes are high for both teams. This matchup will take place on the shores of Lake Michigan, with kickoff scheduled for 3 p.m. ET on the Big Ten Network. Coach Barry Odom’s squad aims to rebound following a narrow 27-20 loss to Minnesota.
Current Season Overview
Purdue’s performance has been notable this season, especially in yardage. The Boilermakers are currently averaging 408.7 total yards per game, significantly higher than last year. Their offense has achieved over 450 yards in consecutive Big Ten games, a feat not accomplished since November 2021.
Offensive Highlights
- Purdue scored 27 points in four out of six games this season.
- Quarterback Ryan Browne ranks third in the Big Ten, averaging 281.8 total yards per game.
- Devin Mockobee is making a mark in the program’s history, ranking in the top 10 for multiple career categories.
In their recent game against Minnesota, the Boilermakers amassed 456 total yards. Browne stood out with his dual-threat capability, combining for over 100 yards in both passing and rushing.
Defensive Performance
Purdue’s defense has also been exceptional. They have allowed only six touchdown passes this season, with a significant achievement of limiting Minnesota’s rushing game to just 30 yards. This marks one of the lowest totals allowed by Purdue in decades.
Key Defensive Players
- Charles Correa leads with an average of 9.2 tackles per game, ranking third in the Big Ten.
- Four Boilermakers have over 40 tackles this season, tying for the national lead.
Correa’s performance has been a standout, becoming the first Boilermaker since 1995 to record 10 tackles in four of the first five games.
Special Teams Standout
Purdue leads the Big Ten in net punting, with an impressive average of 45.2 yards. This has contributed significantly to field position battles throughout their games.
Previous Matchup
Historically, the Boilermakers have a strong record against the Wildcats, beating them 53 times overall. This match-up not only holds importance for conference standings but also for Purdue’s legacy within the Big Ten.
This pivotal Game 7 against Northwestern is shaping up to be a crucial moment for Purdue’s season, emphasizing their need for a strong performance to maintain momentum moving forward.
