As the seasons changed from Summer to Fall, the Purdue Boilermaker football team was looking to change their season around against Florida Atlantic but had a tall task ahead of them, having six starters out, including starting Quarterback Aidan O’Connell. Luckily, senior Austin Burton was ready to lead his team to victory in the 100th Homecoming for Purdue.
Burton started off hot in the first half going 6/6 for 34 yards and a TD, giving Purdue and early 7-0 lead. As the half-continued, FAU would not make it easy for Purdue, issuing a comeback in the second quarter, adding two field goals and a 13-yard touchdown pass to N’Kosi Perry, taking the lead for the first time in the game with a score of 7-13. However, just before halftime, Purdue would take the lead back with a 12-yard pass from Burton to Charlie Jones. Ending the half with a score of 14-13
It was clear that both teams were having trouble moving the ball, whether it was rushing or passing, but the 55,137 Purdue fans were not about to give up on their team, continuing to cheer on such players as Dylan Downing who carried the ball 15 times for 113 yards, as well as Burton who went 21/29 for 166 yards and 3 touchdowns.
While both teams struggled with penalties in the second half, Purdue would be the team to come out on top, with a final score of 28-26.
The Boilers return home on October 15 when they take on Nebraska at a yet-to-be-determined kickoff time.
-Tim Stepp
Leave a Reply