Purdue football loss to Penn State shows team stuck in reverse, even after bye week | Grades
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STATE COLLEGE, PA − Purdue football didn't dress up as something else for Halloween.
And that's unfortunate.
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The Boilermakers showed again who they are in a 31-17 loss to Penn State at Beaver Stadium.
The Nittany Lions, 0-4 in the Big Ten before Saturday, found their get right opponent in Purdue. Just as Washington did two weeks ago the last time we saw the Boilermakers.
Purdue (3-5, 2-3 Big Ten) managed to tie the game early in the second quarter, thanks to its special teams, then never threatened again. That's not good for the report card.
Purdue run game stalls out against bad Penn State defense
OFFENSE GRADE: F
Purdue has to be able to run the ball against a defense that ranked 17th in the Big Ten against the run coming in. Fame Ijeboi had two 8-yard runs on the opening drive, seemingly setting the stage for a big day on the ground. The defense did its part in the second half to give Purdue multiple chances to even the score, and with good field position to boot. The Boilermakers' only offensive touchdown was a scramble, heave and prayer that Xavier Townsend was able catch despite drawing pass interference. That was Purdue's second drive.
PSU rushing attack helped by poor Purdue defense
DEFENSE GRADE: D+
Penn State averaged 130 yards rushing per game before Saturday. By the end of the first quarter, the Nittany Lions had 124. Penn State had so little respect for Purdue's defense, it left the offense on the field at its own 28 yards line for a fourth-and-short while leading by a touchdown. Naturally, the Nittany Lions converted. Just like they did on two other fourth downs in the first half. To make matters worse, Penn State played without its two leading receivers. As bad as the defense was in the first half, it did its job in the second.
Purdue special teams remains consistent
SPECIAL TEAMS GRADE: B+
Feels like this is a copy and paste job. Coordinator James Shibest's special teams is Purdue's most consistent facet. It's become the one thing Boilermakers fans can count on. Bisi Owens' second punt block of the season was scooped and returned 31 yards for a touchdown by Jalil Hall, a Pennsylvania native who missed the final 11 games last season after getting injured on a reception. Long snapper Luke Raab, punter/holder Dylan Drennan, placekicker Jacobo Echeverria Lozano and kickoff specialist Seth Turner might comprise the Big Ten's best specialists unit. Drennan did have a rare shank, docking the special teams a letter grade.
Can defense improve to salvage season? It's up to coaching
COACHING GRADE: D
The Boilermakers had two weeks to iron out wrinkles. And that's what we get? Complementary football is a foreign concept. The offense seems to be regressing. The defense started the season poorly and hasn't improved enough outside of a mini two-game breakout. Four games are left. Is that enough time to salvage what we've seen through the first two-thirds of the regular season?
Cam Wallace leads PSU football to win
Cam Wallace had 125 yards rushing this season. The Penn State running back had 131 against Purdue.
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This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Purdue football loss to Penn State shows team stuck in reverse, even after bye week | Grades