After a strong performance last weekend from the Boilermaker football team in a win over Maryland, the squad failed to capitalize Saturday on several opportunities to beat a ranked opponent on the road for the first time in nearly a decade.
After a questionable onside kick attempt late in the game failed, Iowa turned a short field into a touchdown that sealed an eventual 26-20 victory.
The biggest problem for the Boilermakers on this day was ball security in the red zone. Wide receiver Ahmad Anderson fumbled and quarterback Jack Plummer threw an interception in Iowa territory, both killing drives on which the visitors were threating to score. Still, Purdue's defense continues to improve, as those turnovers led to only 3 points on the other end.
While Purdue held Iowa (5-2, 2-2 Big Ten) to field goals on several drives, a balanced Hawkeye attack (exactly 33 rushing and 33 passing plays on the day) allowed the home team to never trail.
Jack Plummer seemed to struggle after a stellar performance last week. While he passed for 327 yards and two scores, he was forced to throw the ball 50 times as his team played from behind -- due also to a ground attack that rushed 18 times for just 33 yards. Freshman wide receiver David Bell had another career day, catching 13 passes for 197 yards and one touchdown in the absense of All-American Rondale Moore.
Purdue (2-5, 1-3 Big Ten) now must win four of its remaining five games in order to become eligible for a third straight bowl game. The team plays at home next week against Illinois (3-4, 1-3 Big Ten).
