Game Notes as a PDF
Purdue-Northwestern Series Data Purdue leads 51-32-1 Current Streak: Purdue snapped a five-game skid with a win in Evanston last season. In West Lafayette: Purdue leads 22-13-0 First Meeting: Oct. 2, 1895 – Northwestern won 24-6 on the road. Last Meeting: Nov. 9, 2019 – Purdue won 24-22 on the road. Noteworthy: Kicker J.D. Dellinger booted a game-winning 39-yard field goal into a stiff wind with three seconds remaining, as the Boilermakers snapped a five-game losing streak to the Wildcats with a 24-22 victory in Evanston last season ... making his first collegiate start at quarterback, Aidan O'Connell complete 34 of 50 pass attempts for 271 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the game ... wide receiver David Bell began his current five-game streak of over 100 yards receiving. He ended the contest with a career-high 14 catches for 115 yards and a touchdown ... defensively, Cam Allen finished the game with eight tackles and snagged his first collegiate interception to set up an Amad Anderson touchdown grab in the third quarter.
A Purdue Record Sophomore wide receiver David Bell has kicked off the 2020 season just the way he ended the 2019 campaign - with back-to-back 100-yard receiving games. Bell wrapped up last season with three straight 100-yard games via the pass en route to being name the Big Ten Freshman of the Year, and opened this year with two more - against Iowa in the opener and last week at Illinois. Bell is the only player in Big Ten and school history to record five consecutive games with 100 or more yards receiving. The previous Purdue record of four straight was shared by Rodney Carter (1985) and Keith Smith (2009). He has broken the century mark in receiving yards eight times in 14 career games at Purdue. David Bell's Last Five Games Nov. 9, 2019 at Northwestern - career-high 14 receptions, 115 yards, TD Nov. 23, 2019 at Wisconsin - 12 receptions, 108 yards, TD Nov. 30, 2019 vs. Indiana - 9 receptions 136 yards, TD Oct. 24, 2020 vs. Iowa - 13 receptions, 121 yards, career-high 3 TDs Oct. 31, 2020 at Illinois - 9 receptions, 122 yards, TD Five-Game Totals = 57 receptions, 602 yards, 6 TDs (11.4 rpg / 120.4 ypg)
More on Bell David Bell enters the Northwestern game first in the NCAA with an average of 11.0 receptions per game. He is 10th among all FBS players with 121.5 receiving yards per game.
It's Been Done Merely Twice Before in 23 Years at Purdue Junior running back Zander Horvath has been a work horse in the backfield in each of Purdue's last three games. In last season's Bucket Game against Indiana, Horvath rushed 23 times for 164 yards (7.1 ypc) and a pair of touchdowns. He followed that performance up with 21 carries for 129 yards (6.1 ypc) in the Boilermakers' season opener against Iowa in the 2020 opener on Oct. 24 and came up with 102 yards and a TD on 22 carries at Illinois. Horvath is the first Purdue player to rush for over 100 yards in three consecutive games since Kory Sheets had 144 yards vs. Central Michigan, 111 yards at Minnesota and 141 yards vs. Notre Dame in 2007. Edwin Watson is the last Boilermaker to have three straight games over 100 yards rushing against Big Ten teams when he had 115 yards vs. Michigan State, 133 yards vs. Penn State and 163 yards at Indiana to end the 1997 regular season. Horvath enters the Northwestern game second in the Big Ten in rushing, averaging 115.5 yards per game.
King of the Comeback Despite having only played in six career collegiate games, junior quarterback Aidan O'Connell has already engineered three game-winning drives in the final minutes of the fourth quarter. Taking over for an injured Jack Plummer with 4:21 to go against Nebraska last season, O'Connell went 6 for 6 for 62 yards on 12-play, 82-yard drive for the game-winning touchdown with 1:08 remaining. A week later, making his first collegiate start at Northwestern, O'Connell led the Boilermakers on an 11-play, 58-yard drive that ended with a game-winning 39-yard field goal by J.D. Dellinger with three seconds remaining in game. Trailing 20-17 late in the fourth quarter against Iowa last week (6:00 minutes left), O'Connell helmed a 12-play, 72-yard drive that resulted with him finding sophomore sensation David Bell on 6-yard game-winning touchdown (his third of the day) with 2:15 remaining for the victory.
Receiving Votes The Boilermakers have received eight votes in the latest version of the Associated Press Top 25 Poll.. Purdue gathering votes the last three weeks marks its first mention in the poll since being ranked 23rd in 2007.
Many Happy Returns Jalen Graham's scoop-and-score on a fumble return at Illinois marks the seventh straight season Purdue has recorded a defensive TD. Graham's return was Purdue's first score on a fumble return since Danny Ezechukwu rumbled 90 yards against Virginia Tech Sept. 19, 2015. Defensive Touchdowns in the Last Seven Years 2014 Frankie Williams vs. 39 yards vs. Iowa (Interception) 2015 Danny Ezechukwu 90 yards vs. Virginia Tech (Fumble) 2016 Gelen Robinson 78 yards vs. Eastern Kentucky (Interception) 2017 Ja'Whaun Bentley 76 yards vs. Minnesota (Interception) 2018 Markus Bailey 41 yards vs. Ohio State (Interception) 2019 Cory Trice 37 yards vs. Maryland (Interception) 2020 Jalen Graham 0 yards at Illinois (Fumble)
Wright On Sophomore wide receiver Milton Wright has opened the 2020 season on a nice note. After catching 18 passes for 288 yards and a TD in 11 games as a true freshman last year, he has already chalked up 13 catches for 185 yards and a score in merely two games this season.
Protecting Our Home Turf Purdue has defeated three straight AP top 25 teams at home, having knocked off No. 23 Boston College, No. 2 Ohio State and No. 19 Iowa in Ross-Ade Stadium in 2018. All three of the Boilermakers' games vs. top 25 teams last season were on the road. Northwestern comes to West Lafayette this week currently ranked 23rd.
Takeaways Purdue's defense has forced six takeaways in two games this season (four fumble recoveries and two interceptions). In 12 games last season, the Boilermakers finished their slate with 15 total takeaways for the year (nine interceptions, six fumble recoveries).
In The Zone Purdue's first two opponents this season, Iowa and Illinois, have posted just a 58.3 successful scoring percentage when penetrating the red zone. The Boilers have taken the ball away five times inside their own 25-yard line thus far (two on downs, one interception and two on fumble recoveries).
Something Has Got to Give Northwestern enters this weekend's match up having not allowed a single point in the second half through three games. The Boilermakers have scored 24 combined points in the third and fourth quarters in their first two contests, including a game-winning touchdown with 2:15 left in the opener vs. Iowa.
Back-to-Back Rondale Moore (2018) and David Bell's (2019) back-to-back Thompson-Randle El Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors are Purdue's first since Brian Fox and Eric Hunter were feted in 1988 and 1989, respectively, and merely the fifth time in conference history for players from the same school to be recognized in consecutive years (also Michigan's Steve Breaston and Mike Hart in 2003 and 2004, Wisconsin's Chris Borland and James White in 2009 and 2010, and Penn State's Deion Barnes and Christian Hackenberg in 2011 and 2012).
Back 4 Moore Rondale Moore opted out of the 2019 season in August, but had a change of heart and rejoined the Boilermakers in September. Moore, who missed all but four games last season, electrified college football as a true freshman in 2018. That season, he became merely the third player in Big Ten history to record 100 or more receptions, finishing with 114 catches for 1,258 yards and 12 touchdowns. He broke the school record for all-purpose yards for both a game (313 vs. Northwestern) and in a season (2,215) en route to winning the 2018 Paul Hornung Award as the nation's most versatile player. He was named a consensus All-American in 2018, becoming the first true freshman in Big Ten history to be so honored. Moore in 2018 • Paul Hornung Award recipient as the nation's most versatile player. • First true freshman consensus All-American in Big Ten history. • First-team All-America by the Associated Press. • First-team All-America by Football Writers Association of America. • First-team All-America by ESPN.com. • First-team All-America by Sports Illustrated. • First-team All-America by CBS Sports. • Second-team All-America by the Sporting News. • First-team Freshman All-America by the Associated Press. • Big Ten Wide Receiver of the Year. • Big Ten Freshman of the Year. • First-team All-Big Ten (wide receiver and special teams). • Four-time Big Ten Freshman of the Week. • Broke the school record for most all-purpose yards in a season (2,215). • Broke the school record for most all-purpose yards in a game (313). • Tied the school record for most 100-yard receiving games (7). • Caught 11 or more passes in a game six times. • Is merely the third player in Big Ten history with 100 or more receptions (114) in a season.
Homecoming History Saturday's Homecoming game is the 98th in school history. The Boilermakers have a 52-41-4 record in these autumn celebration games, dating to a 3-0 victory over Northwestern on Nov. 5, 1921. The Boilermakers and Wildcats have played on Homecoming 14 times previous to Saturday, with Purdue owning a 10-4 mark in those contests. Among Big Ten schools, Purdue has yet to play Nebraska and Rutgers for Homecoming. Here is the breakdown by conference foe: Wisconsin (21 games), Illinois (19), Iowa (15), Minnesota (9), Michigan State (4), Indiana (2), Michigan (2), Ohio State (2), Maryland (1) and Penn State (1).
Brohms Away Despite having to utilize the talents of a number of different players over his first three seasons due to injury, head coach Jeff Brohm's offense has thrived regardless of who is available on any given Saturday. The Boilermakers averaged 413.9 yards of total offense and 27.2 points per game in the first 38 games under Brohm's leadership. Despite having to use four different quarterbacks (David Blough, Elijah Sindelar, Jack Plummer and Aidan O'Connell), collectively Brohm's three squads have passed for 3,000 yards each year, including 3,998 yards in 2018 alone.
Dependable Derrick Senior Derrick Barnes has been a mainstay in Purdue's defensive lineup each of his previous three seasons. He has appeared in 39 career games, including 27 starts. He has been among the top tacklers on the team each of the last two seasons, finishing second with 63 stops last season and posting a career-high 92 tackles in 2018 to finish third for the Boilermakers. He tied for the team lead in sacks last season with George Karlaftis (7.5).
Clarity on the Record Despite not being able to be present at the opener against Iowa on Oct. 24, Purdue's win over the Hawkeyes will be counted as a victory in Jeff Brohm's overall career and Purdue records.
Dandy Dellinger Kicker J.D. Dellinger enters his final season at Purdue second in school history in career field goal percentage and fifth in field goals made. Dellinger has connected on 35 of his 47 attempts as a Boilermaker (74.5 percent). As a junior last season, he was a career-best 13 of 16 on field goals, including a career-long 53-yarder against TCU. On kickoffs, Dellinger improved from seven touchbacks as a freshman to 40 last season. Purdue Career Field Goal Percentage 1. .765 (26-34) – Spencer Evans, 2017-18 2. .745 (35-47) – J.D. Dellinger, 2016-17, 2019- 3. .737 (56-76) – Carson Wiggs, 2008-11 Purdue Career Field Goals 1. 68 – Travis Dorsch, 1998-2001 2. 56 – Carson Wiggs, 2008-11 3. 43 – Ben Jones, 2003-05 4. 36 – Jonathan Briggs, 1985-87 5. 35 – J.D. Dellinger, 2016-17, 2019-
Aerial Attack With 420 yards passing against Maryland (Plummer) and 408 yards against Indiana (O'Connell) last season, Jack Plummer and Aidan O'Connell became the third and fourth Purdue quarterback to throw for over 400 yards in a game in Jeff Brohm's first three seasons as the Boilermakers' head coach. Purdue is the only school in Big Ten history to boast three quarterbacks with 400-yard passing games in the same season. Elijah Sindelar had 423 yards at Nevada and 509 yards vs. Vanderbilt earlier in 2019. Purdue has passed for 300 or more yards in 17 games under Brohm's leadership. 400+ Passing Yard Games Under Jeff Brohm Player Yards (Rank at Purdue) Opponent, Date David Blough 572 (1st) vs. Missouri, Sept. 15, 2018 Elijah Sindelar 509 (t6th) vs. Vanderbilt, Sept. 7, 2019 Elijah Sindelar 423 (18th) at Nevada, Aug. 30, 2019 Jack Plummer 420 (19th) vs. Maryland, Oct. 12, 2019 Aidan O'Connell 408 (25th) vs. Indiana, Nov. 30, 2019
Honoring Morgan Burke The Boilermakers will honor the life and legacy of former vice president and director of athletics Morgan J. Burke with a sticker on the rear of their helmets this season. Burke passed away June 15 after a year-long battle with amyloidosis (a rare disease that occurs when an abnormal protein builds up in organs and interferes with their normal function). He was 68. Burke headed up Purdue athletics from 1993 to 2016. Burke is survived by his wife, Kate, three children – Joyce (husband Ryan), Morgan Jr. (wife Molly) and Patrick (wife Courtney) – and four grandchildren: Kate, Andrew, Parker June and Emily.
No Fear. All Love. In acknowledgment and support of all members of the community, the Purdue football team will wear t-shirts with the phrasing "No fear. All love." throughout the 2020 season. The social equality shirt was the result of a collaboration between Purdue football leadership and the Purdue Student-Athlete Advisory Committee's division of Diversity and Inclusion. The unified statement by student-athletes is intended to support equality, inclusion and the need for continued progress toward a safe and just environment for all.
Purdue-Northwestern Series Data Purdue leads 51-32-1 Current Streak: Purdue snapped a five-game skid with a win in Evanston last season. In West Lafayette: Purdue leads 22-13-0 First Meeting: Oct. 2, 1895 – Northwestern won 24-6 on the road. Last Meeting: Nov. 9, 2019 – Purdue won 24-22 on the road. Noteworthy: Kicker J.D. Dellinger booted a game-winning 39-yard field goal into a stiff wind with three seconds remaining, as the Boilermakers snapped a five-game losing streak to the Wildcats with a 24-22 victory in Evanston last season ... making his first collegiate start at quarterback, Aidan O'Connell complete 34 of 50 pass attempts for 271 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the game ... wide receiver David Bell began his current five-game streak of over 100 yards receiving. He ended the contest with a career-high 14 catches for 115 yards and a touchdown ... defensively, Cam Allen finished the game with eight tackles and snagged his first collegiate interception to set up an Amad Anderson touchdown grab in the third quarter.
A Purdue Record Sophomore wide receiver David Bell has kicked off the 2020 season just the way he ended the 2019 campaign - with back-to-back 100-yard receiving games. Bell wrapped up last season with three straight 100-yard games via the pass en route to being name the Big Ten Freshman of the Year, and opened this year with two more - against Iowa in the opener and last week at Illinois. Bell is the only player in Big Ten and school history to record five consecutive games with 100 or more yards receiving. The previous Purdue record of four straight was shared by Rodney Carter (1985) and Keith Smith (2009). He has broken the century mark in receiving yards eight times in 14 career games at Purdue. David Bell's Last Five Games Nov. 9, 2019 at Northwestern - career-high 14 receptions, 115 yards, TD Nov. 23, 2019 at Wisconsin - 12 receptions, 108 yards, TD Nov. 30, 2019 vs. Indiana - 9 receptions 136 yards, TD Oct. 24, 2020 vs. Iowa - 13 receptions, 121 yards, career-high 3 TDs Oct. 31, 2020 at Illinois - 9 receptions, 122 yards, TD Five-Game Totals = 57 receptions, 602 yards, 6 TDs (11.4 rpg / 120.4 ypg)
More on Bell David Bell enters the Northwestern game first in the NCAA with an average of 11.0 receptions per game. He is 10th among all FBS players with 121.5 receiving yards per game.
It's Been Done Merely Twice Before in 23 Years at Purdue Junior running back Zander Horvath has been a work horse in the backfield in each of Purdue's last three games. In last season's Bucket Game against Indiana, Horvath rushed 23 times for 164 yards (7.1 ypc) and a pair of touchdowns. He followed that performance up with 21 carries for 129 yards (6.1 ypc) in the Boilermakers' season opener against Iowa in the 2020 opener on Oct. 24 and came up with 102 yards and a TD on 22 carries at Illinois. Horvath is the first Purdue player to rush for over 100 yards in three consecutive games since Kory Sheets had 144 yards vs. Central Michigan, 111 yards at Minnesota and 141 yards vs. Notre Dame in 2007. Edwin Watson is the last Boilermaker to have three straight games over 100 yards rushing against Big Ten teams when he had 115 yards vs. Michigan State, 133 yards vs. Penn State and 163 yards at Indiana to end the 1997 regular season. Horvath enters the Northwestern game second in the Big Ten in rushing, averaging 115.5 yards per game.
King of the Comeback Despite having only played in six career collegiate games, junior quarterback Aidan O'Connell has already engineered three game-winning drives in the final minutes of the fourth quarter. Taking over for an injured Jack Plummer with 4:21 to go against Nebraska last season, O'Connell went 6 for 6 for 62 yards on 12-play, 82-yard drive for the game-winning touchdown with 1:08 remaining. A week later, making his first collegiate start at Northwestern, O'Connell led the Boilermakers on an 11-play, 58-yard drive that ended with a game-winning 39-yard field goal by J.D. Dellinger with three seconds remaining in game. Trailing 20-17 late in the fourth quarter against Iowa last week (6:00 minutes left), O'Connell helmed a 12-play, 72-yard drive that resulted with him finding sophomore sensation David Bell on 6-yard game-winning touchdown (his third of the day) with 2:15 remaining for the victory.
Receiving Votes The Boilermakers have received eight votes in the latest version of the Associated Press Top 25 Poll.. Purdue gathering votes the last three weeks marks its first mention in the poll since being ranked 23rd in 2007.
Many Happy Returns Jalen Graham's scoop-and-score on a fumble return at Illinois marks the seventh straight season Purdue has recorded a defensive TD. Graham's return was Purdue's first score on a fumble return since Danny Ezechukwu rumbled 90 yards against Virginia Tech Sept. 19, 2015. Defensive Touchdowns in the Last Seven Years 2014 Frankie Williams vs. 39 yards vs. Iowa (Interception) 2015 Danny Ezechukwu 90 yards vs. Virginia Tech (Fumble) 2016 Gelen Robinson 78 yards vs. Eastern Kentucky (Interception) 2017 Ja'Whaun Bentley 76 yards vs. Minnesota (Interception) 2018 Markus Bailey 41 yards vs. Ohio State (Interception) 2019 Cory Trice 37 yards vs. Maryland (Interception) 2020 Jalen Graham 0 yards at Illinois (Fumble)
Wright On Sophomore wide receiver Milton Wright has opened the 2020 season on a nice note. After catching 18 passes for 288 yards and a TD in 11 games as a true freshman last year, he has already chalked up 13 catches for 185 yards and a score in merely two games this season.
Protecting Our Home Turf Purdue has defeated three straight AP top 25 teams at home, having knocked off No. 23 Boston College, No. 2 Ohio State and No. 19 Iowa in Ross-Ade Stadium in 2018. All three of the Boilermakers' games vs. top 25 teams last season were on the road. Northwestern comes to West Lafayette this week currently ranked 23rd.
Takeaways Purdue's defense has forced six takeaways in two games this season (four fumble recoveries and two interceptions). In 12 games last season, the Boilermakers finished their slate with 15 total takeaways for the year (nine interceptions, six fumble recoveries).
In The Zone Purdue's first two opponents this season, Iowa and Illinois, have posted just a 58.3 successful scoring percentage when penetrating the red zone. The Boilers have taken the ball away five times inside their own 25-yard line thus far (two on downs, one interception and two on fumble recoveries).
Something Has Got to Give Northwestern enters this weekend's match up having not allowed a single point in the second half through three games. The Boilermakers have scored 24 combined points in the third and fourth quarters in their first two contests, including a game-winning touchdown with 2:15 left in the opener vs. Iowa.
Back-to-Back Rondale Moore (2018) and David Bell's (2019) back-to-back Thompson-Randle El Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors are Purdue's first since Brian Fox and Eric Hunter were feted in 1988 and 1989, respectively, and merely the fifth time in conference history for players from the same school to be recognized in consecutive years (also Michigan's Steve Breaston and Mike Hart in 2003 and 2004, Wisconsin's Chris Borland and James White in 2009 and 2010, and Penn State's Deion Barnes and Christian Hackenberg in 2011 and 2012).
Back 4 Moore Rondale Moore opted out of the 2019 season in August, but had a change of heart and rejoined the Boilermakers in September. Moore, who missed all but four games last season, electrified college football as a true freshman in 2018. That season, he became merely the third player in Big Ten history to record 100 or more receptions, finishing with 114 catches for 1,258 yards and 12 touchdowns. He broke the school record for all-purpose yards for both a game (313 vs. Northwestern) and in a season (2,215) en route to winning the 2018 Paul Hornung Award as the nation's most versatile player. He was named a consensus All-American in 2018, becoming the first true freshman in Big Ten history to be so honored. Moore in 2018 • Paul Hornung Award recipient as the nation's most versatile player. • First true freshman consensus All-American in Big Ten history. • First-team All-America by the Associated Press. • First-team All-America by Football Writers Association of America. • First-team All-America by ESPN.com. • First-team All-America by Sports Illustrated. • First-team All-America by CBS Sports. • Second-team All-America by the Sporting News. • First-team Freshman All-America by the Associated Press. • Big Ten Wide Receiver of the Year. • Big Ten Freshman of the Year. • First-team All-Big Ten (wide receiver and special teams). • Four-time Big Ten Freshman of the Week. • Broke the school record for most all-purpose yards in a season (2,215). • Broke the school record for most all-purpose yards in a game (313). • Tied the school record for most 100-yard receiving games (7). • Caught 11 or more passes in a game six times. • Is merely the third player in Big Ten history with 100 or more receptions (114) in a season.
Homecoming History Saturday's Homecoming game is the 98th in school history. The Boilermakers have a 52-41-4 record in these autumn celebration games, dating to a 3-0 victory over Northwestern on Nov. 5, 1921. The Boilermakers and Wildcats have played on Homecoming 14 times previous to Saturday, with Purdue owning a 10-4 mark in those contests. Among Big Ten schools, Purdue has yet to play Nebraska and Rutgers for Homecoming. Here is the breakdown by conference foe: Wisconsin (21 games), Illinois (19), Iowa (15), Minnesota (9), Michigan State (4), Indiana (2), Michigan (2), Ohio State (2), Maryland (1) and Penn State (1).
Brohms Away Despite having to utilize the talents of a number of different players over his first three seasons due to injury, head coach Jeff Brohm's offense has thrived regardless of who is available on any given Saturday. The Boilermakers averaged 413.9 yards of total offense and 27.2 points per game in the first 38 games under Brohm's leadership. Despite having to use four different quarterbacks (David Blough, Elijah Sindelar, Jack Plummer and Aidan O'Connell), collectively Brohm's three squads have passed for 3,000 yards each year, including 3,998 yards in 2018 alone.
Dependable Derrick Senior Derrick Barnes has been a mainstay in Purdue's defensive lineup each of his previous three seasons. He has appeared in 39 career games, including 27 starts. He has been among the top tacklers on the team each of the last two seasons, finishing second with 63 stops last season and posting a career-high 92 tackles in 2018 to finish third for the Boilermakers. He tied for the team lead in sacks last season with George Karlaftis (7.5).
Clarity on the Record Despite not being able to be present at the opener against Iowa on Oct. 24, Purdue's win over the Hawkeyes will be counted as a victory in Jeff Brohm's overall career and Purdue records.
Dandy Dellinger Kicker J.D. Dellinger enters his final season at Purdue second in school history in career field goal percentage and fifth in field goals made. Dellinger has connected on 35 of his 47 attempts as a Boilermaker (74.5 percent). As a junior last season, he was a career-best 13 of 16 on field goals, including a career-long 53-yarder against TCU. On kickoffs, Dellinger improved from seven touchbacks as a freshman to 40 last season. Purdue Career Field Goal Percentage 1. .765 (26-34) – Spencer Evans, 2017-18 2. .745 (35-47) – J.D. Dellinger, 2016-17, 2019- 3. .737 (56-76) – Carson Wiggs, 2008-11 Purdue Career Field Goals 1. 68 – Travis Dorsch, 1998-2001 2. 56 – Carson Wiggs, 2008-11 3. 43 – Ben Jones, 2003-05 4. 36 – Jonathan Briggs, 1985-87 5. 35 – J.D. Dellinger, 2016-17, 2019-
Aerial Attack With 420 yards passing against Maryland (Plummer) and 408 yards against Indiana (O'Connell) last season, Jack Plummer and Aidan O'Connell became the third and fourth Purdue quarterback to throw for over 400 yards in a game in Jeff Brohm's first three seasons as the Boilermakers' head coach. Purdue is the only school in Big Ten history to boast three quarterbacks with 400-yard passing games in the same season. Elijah Sindelar had 423 yards at Nevada and 509 yards vs. Vanderbilt earlier in 2019. Purdue has passed for 300 or more yards in 17 games under Brohm's leadership. 400+ Passing Yard Games Under Jeff Brohm Player Yards (Rank at Purdue) Opponent, Date David Blough 572 (1st) vs. Missouri, Sept. 15, 2018 Elijah Sindelar 509 (t6th) vs. Vanderbilt, Sept. 7, 2019 Elijah Sindelar 423 (18th) at Nevada, Aug. 30, 2019 Jack Plummer 420 (19th) vs. Maryland, Oct. 12, 2019 Aidan O'Connell 408 (25th) vs. Indiana, Nov. 30, 2019
Honoring Morgan Burke The Boilermakers will honor the life and legacy of former vice president and director of athletics Morgan J. Burke with a sticker on the rear of their helmets this season. Burke passed away June 15 after a year-long battle with amyloidosis (a rare disease that occurs when an abnormal protein builds up in organs and interferes with their normal function). He was 68. Burke headed up Purdue athletics from 1993 to 2016. Burke is survived by his wife, Kate, three children – Joyce (husband Ryan), Morgan Jr. (wife Molly) and Patrick (wife Courtney) – and four grandchildren: Kate, Andrew, Parker June and Emily.
No Fear. All Love. In acknowledgment and support of all members of the community, the Purdue football team will wear t-shirts with the phrasing "No fear. All love." throughout the 2020 season. The social equality shirt was the result of a collaboration between Purdue football leadership and the Purdue Student-Athlete Advisory Committee's division of Diversity and Inclusion. The unified statement by student-athletes is intended to support equality, inclusion and the need for continued progress toward a safe and just environment for all.