No Bucket, No Bowl as IU Falls 28-21

Written by: TJ Inman (@TJHoosierHuddle)

The Indiana Hoosiers and Purdue Boilermakers both entered today needing a victory to extend their season. For the second straight season, the Purdue Boilermakers were the better team and they waltzed out of Memorial Stadium still holding the Old Oaken Bucket. Rondale Moore led all players with 141 yards and two receiving touchdowns as Indiana’s offense put forth a pathetic display for much of the afternoon in a 28-21 losing effort. Peyton Ramsey was ineffective much of the game and the Indiana attack was as bland and stale as it could possibly be. Indiana ended up out-gaining Purdue 487-440 but numbers do not tell an accurate story of this game.

The game began well for the Indiana defense as they stood strong against the Boilermaker attack and Nile Sykes forced a punt with a third down sack. Indiana was able to get a couple of first downs but had to punt, pinning Purdue at the 15-yard line. IU appeared to have Purdue stopped at the 27 but a dubious roughing the passer penalty was called and extended the Boilers drive. They capitalized as David Blough connected with Isaac Zico from 12 yards out for the opening score. Indiana could not answer and punted back to Purdue. With the defense facing an early test to keep the game close, Michael Ziemba sacked Blough on third down and made Purdue punt. Indiana marched into scoring territory, aided by a pass interference penalty and Stevie Scott bounced off a tackle and ran into the endzone from eight yards out to tie the game at seven. Purdue got into scoring territory on their next drive but IU’s defense stuffed a fourth and one run attempt to prevent them from taking the lead. The Hoosiers didn’t capitalize on the momentum from the stop, punting after a three and out and then giving up a wide open 56 yard touchdown pass to Rondale Moore to give Purdue the 14-7 lead. It appeared Purdue was on its way to taking a two-possession lead prior to halftime but Mike Barwick made a nice play to intercept a pass at midfield. Logan Justus missed a long field goal as the first half expired.

Indiana’s offense continued to be stuck in neutral as the second half began. They got one first down and punted to Purdue. Jerome Johnson got to David Blough to force another Purdue punt and Indiana moved the ball across midfield, threatening to tie the game. However, a chop block penalty stunted the drive and a mix of curious playcalling and poor decision-making from Peyton Ramsey combined to have Indiana turn the ball over on downs. Purdue took advantage and Blough connected with Rondale Moore yet again, this time for a 33 yard score. Indiana’s offense was able to muster one nice drive as Peyton Ramsey scampered in from 23 yards out but the outcome never felt in doubt. Purdue milked clock and Markell Jones hit a seam and ran in the score that put the final nail in Indiana’s coffin. Nick Westbrook made a gorgeous catch in the endzone with 1:17 remaining to give Indiana a chance at the onside kick but Logan Justus’ attempt was recovered by the Boilermakers and for the second straight year, Purdue won the Bucket with a seven point victory.

The season ended in typically disappointing fashion for Indiana as they fell to 5-7 with the loss. Purdue is now 6-6 and they will go to a bowl game while fans will turn their attention to hoping Jeff Brohm stays in West Lafayette instead of bolting for Louisville. Stevie Scott finished his stellar freshman season with another solid game, rushing for 104 yards and a touchdown but the positives for Indiana are few and far between. Hoosier Huddle will have several articles recapping the season and looking ahead to what should be a very interesting offseason.