Boilermakers Take Back Bucket with Dominant Win

Elijah Sinelar (2) and Markell Jones (8) tore up IU's defense Image Sammy Jacobs Hoosier Huddle

Written by: TJ Inman (@TJHoosierHuddle)

For the first time in the history of the Old Oaken Bucket game rivalry, Indiana and Purdue played with bowl eligibility on the line. Unfortunately, only one team showed up for much of the game as the Boilermakers ended IU's four-game winning streak in the series and snatched back the Bucket with a 31-24 victory. Indiana outgained the Boilermakers 497 to 453 and Markell Jones rushed for a season-high 217 yards against a defense that didn't look like the unit IU fans had grown accustomed to. In short, it was a woeful performance from Indiana for much of the contest and Purdue thoroughly deserved the win. The loss leaves IU at 5-7 and short of bowl eligibility and Tom Allen will need to evaluate which parts of the program need addressed.

The game got off to a good start for the Hoosiers as they forced Purdue to punt. However, RIchard Lagow threw an interception on IU's first offensive play and Garrett Hudson returned it to the IU five yard line. Jackson Anthrop ran it in on a sweep play on the next play and Purdue led 7-0. IU got a break when a Purdue fumble was scooped up by Tegray Scales at the PU 41. The Hoosiers capitalized as Simmie Cobbs scored on third and goal to tie the game. It was one of the last bright moments for IU. Purdue faked a punt and converted with a pass to the 21 and Jackson Anthrop scored again on the exact same play to put the Boilers ahead. With 53 seconds left in the first half, Anthony Mahoungo beat Rashard Fant for a long touchdown to make it 21-7. IU's Ricky Brookins broke through for a long run just before halftime but the Hoosiers couldn't capitalize and had to settle for a field goal that made it 21-10 at the half. 

Things quickly went from bad to worse as IU had a touchdown called back for a questionable chop block penalty and were forced to punt. Purdue would add another field goal and another touchdown but the outcome had been decided for quite some time. Richard Lagow connected with Taysir Mack for a touchdown to cut the deficit to 31-17 and then Griffin Oakes executed an excellent onside kick that was recovered by Chase Dutra. However, IU's offense continued to make head-scratching decisions as they came up short on fourth and six. The Hoosiers forced a punt and Lagow found Whop Philyor for a touchdown with ___ to play that got the Hoosiers within a touchdown at 31-24. The disappointing defeat ends IU's season and will leave a bitter taste in every Hoosier's mouth for quite some time.