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Gophers Rain On Boilermakers' Homecoming Parade

Casey Abbett
/
WBAA

  Just when another close game slipped away, 20-13, against the Minnesota Golden Gophers Saturday afternoon, the Purdue football team saw even its support erode because of a heavy rainfall in the final stages of the game. 

Purdue (3-2 overall, 1-1 Big Ten) has now lost four of its last five contests decided by one score or less.

“Like every loss it’s a disappointing loss, one that should sting for a while,” said coach Jeff Brohm after the game.

The Gophers (3-2 overall, 1-0 Big Ten) took the lead for good early in the third quarter when running back Trey Potts rushed into the end zone from four yards out to give them a 17-13 advantage over the Boilermakers. Shortly after that touchdown, the fans filed out in droves when the skies opened up.

Before the downpour, the Boilers already had a difficult time scoring when it seemed like they had opportunities. In four trips inside the Golden Gopher 20-yard line, Purdue came away with only one touchdown. The Boilermakers had more yardage than their opponents, by 144 yards, but simply couldn’t cash in.

“We weren’t very opportunistic in the red zone once again, which cost us,” said Brohm. “When you move the ball and you get down there, you have to get seven points, bottom line.”

Fifth-year senior Aiden O’Connell got the start at quarterback and struggled despite 357 passing yards and one touchdown. His lack of mobility showed as he was sacked four times for losses totaling 44 yards. He also lost a fumble and threw an interception. 

“When you throw a lot, some of those things are going to happen,” said Brohm. “At the same time, I tell him (O’Connell) every game that you have to be able to tuck the ball and run it three or four times a game. That’s football.”

Unlike their last game against Illinois, the Boilermaker defense couldn’t come up with big plays. The Boilermakers had two sacks and nine tackles for losses in yards against the Illini, but no sacks against the Golden Gophers. 

Adding to the Boilers’ frustration was the addition of two key offensive players and still being unable to score more touchdowns. Junior wide receiver David Bell returned after suffering a concussion against Notre Dame and finished with 120 yards on six catches. Junior running back King Doerue also returned after missing last week’s game against Illinois, and rushed for a career-high 95 yards.

The Boilermakers play again on Oct. 16 after a bye week and face off against fifth-ranked Iowa in Iowa City.

Casey Abbett is a senior at Purdue from LaCrosse, Indiana, and has been been interning as a sports reporter for WBAA since his freshman year.