Big Ten power rankings entering Week 6: Iowa and Penn State ready to face off
848. . 3-2 (2-1). Previous: 8th. Boilermakers . 9. team
Purdue once again did not have quarterback Jack Plummer, and it cost them as they fell at home to Minnesota 20-13.
Backup Aidan O’Connell played well, going 34-52 for 371 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Star wide receiver David Bell returned and had a big day with six catches for 120 yards. Despite this, Purdue totaled just 13 points.
A big reason why the offense stuttered was due to four sacks and two turnovers. The Boilermakers also missed a field goal and turned the ball over on downs in the fourth quarter, two costly mistakes.
The Purdue defense has been an underrated group this year. The most points they’ve given up was 27 and that was at Notre Dame. They’ve given the offense a chance to win every game, they just haven’t been able to cash in on those chances.
Purdue will probably need Plummer to return if they want to make any noise this year, as they have games against Iowa, Michigan State and Ohio State remaining.