Purdue football's early lead against Ohio State doesn't hold up, 3 takeaways
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WEST LAFAYETTE — It went well.
For one quarter.
After Purdue football led top-ranked Ohio State 3-0 entering the second, it snowballed quickly for the Boilermakers.
The unbeaten Buckeyes outscored Purdue 24-0 in the second quarter and went on to route the Boilers 34-10 at Ross-Ade Stadium on Saturday.
Purdue football’s QB package stalls another drive
One of the questionable calls a week earlier at Michigan was Purdue near midfield going with Malachi Singleton at quarterback for consecutive plays. Singleton lost one yard on third-and-1 then was stopped on a fourth down run short of the marker.
Head coach Barry Odom defended the decision after a 21-16 loss. Purdue offensive coordinator Josh Henson did the same on Monday, saying the play design worked but Singleton’s decision to run to the right was the wrong one.
Against the Buckeyes, Purdue marched near the red zone. On third-and-short, the Boilermakers brought in their Singleton package. Purdue lost one yard on a run to the left and settled for a 40-yard Spencer Porath field goal.
Singleton later led Purdue’s only touchdown drive, capping with a throw to Jesse Watson.
CJ Nunnally continues to stand out for Purdue defense
Purdue defensive end CJ Nunnally became just the fourth player this season to pick off Julian Sayin.
The former Akron Zip has transitioned seamlessly into the Big Ten and is Purdue’s leader in sacks this season. In the third quarter, Nunally recorded his first career interception. Nunally dropped into coverage and snagged a throw into the end zone to thwart an Ohio State drive.
Jeremiah Smith latest to have big day vs Purdue secondary
USC’s Ja’Kobi Lane, Illinois; Hank Beatty and Rutgers’ KJ Duff combined to average 38.7 yards per reception on 14 catches.
On Saturday, the Boilermakers faced perhaps the best receiver in college football in Jeremiah Smith.
The sophomore caught 10 passes for 137 yards and his 10th touchdown of the season.
Sam King covers sports for the Journal & Courier. Email him at sking@jconline.com and follow him on X and Instagram @samueltking.
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: 3 takeaways from Purdue football’s loss to Ohio State
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