Sep 282 min read

Nebraska Wins First Big Ten Conference Game Against Purdue

Nebraska | QB Dylan Raiola — © Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

The Nebraska Cornhuskers (4-1, 1-1 Big Ten Conference) defeated the Purdue Boilermakers (1-3, 0-1 Big Ten) 28-10 in West Lafayette, Ind. at Ross-Ade Stadium. Nebraska pulled away in the fourth quarter after being scoreless at halftime.

Offensive Standstill

Nebraska had some kicking woes early and missed three field goals, with two were blocked in the first half. The first came in the first quarter after a 7-play drive down the field. The drive stalled at the Purdue 19-yard line. After a Nebraska false start made it a 42-yard field goal, kicker John Hohl missed wide to the left.

In the second quarter after a drive starting at the Nebraska 43-yard-line, the Cornhuskers drove down to the Purdue 26-yard line. Once again, Hohl was called on to give Nebraska a 3-0 lead. This time, his kick was blocked by Damarjhe Lewis.

With just four seconds left in the first half, Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola again drove the Cornhuskers down the field. This time, the drive stalled out in the Boilermakers' red zone and Hohl was called again to try and connect from 32 yards out. Again, Hohl's field goal attempt was blocked this time by Joe Anderson. The Cornhuskers and Boilermakers ended the first half scoreless even though Nebraska outgained Purdue in total yardage, 210-89.

Darrie Dowdell | RB Nebraska — © Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

Nebraska Gets Serious

After Purdue took a 3-0 lead on a Spencer Porath 45-yard field goal midway through the third quarter, Nebraska got serious. Raiola found Jahmal Banks down the middle for a 6-yard touchdown to give the Cornhuskers a 7-3 lead. Nebraska would not let up or relinquish the lead, scoring on its next three straight drives. Nebraska went on to win its conference opener. The Cornhuskers dominated Purdue by putting up 418 total yards to Purdue’s 224.

Matt Rhule | HC Nebraska — © Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

Matt Rhule's Penalty

There was some frustration let out by Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule on a questionable holding call against wide receiver Jahmal Banks. Rhule threw his headset down onto the field and got flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct. Rhule said after the game, “Someone here is going to have to fight for Nebraska, I’m going to fight for Nebraska.”