West Lafayette, In – These two teams would trade punches in the 2nd quarter with Purdue doing most of its damage through the air, while Maryland tried to established itself on the ground. It would be a lot of offense and little defense for both squads wrapping up the first half.
Even getting comical at times with a “voided play” at the 1:30 mark. Until a huge 37 yard Pick-6 for Purdue with 18.5 seconds left in the half being made by Corey Trice for the touchdown. Purdue finished off Maryland 40 – 14 for the victory.
“You guys earned it,” said Purdue coach Jeff Brohm, “It was great to come out the second half and shut them (Maryland) out.”
The Boilermakers defense forced a three and out on the second possession for Maryland, then once again took the ball and ran it right down Maryland’s throat scoring for their 2nd score of the afternoon. Keeping that same intensity to close out the first quarter with a commanding 13-0 lead.
This tough gritty team has faced all types of adversity from losing the starting Quarterback to injury, constantly changing of the starting offensive line, and the receiving core that can’t catch a break from injuries. Yet they fight! Lead by Brohm and his staff of hard nose coaches, Purdue always has a fighting chance.
Purdue quarterback Jake Plummer threw for 420 yards on 33/41 pass with three touchdowns. Receiver David Bell was on the receiving end of two of the touchdowns.
Purdue new Moon Rock helmets and uniforms for the Maryland Terrapins were highlighted by crisp sunny afternoon. This gritty “Next man up” team is tough and filled with character and it would take all of that, and all of them to get the win today.
The 2nd half would not be filled with a lot of scoring but Purdue did enough work in the first half to be able to cruise to a big victory at home. Corey Trice snagged down another interception, while saving Purdue from a Maryland touchdown that could of changed the outcome of the game. While the offense did great at moving the ball and keeping Maryland offense off the field and controlling the tempo of the game. Purdue would again score in the 4th quarter on yet another touchdown pass stretching the lead to 40-14.
“Obviously road wins are tough. You’ve got to give Purdue credit; they did a better job than us today with their execution,” first-year Maryland coach Mike Locksley said. “Like I told our team, not disappointed in their effort, really disappointed in our execution and us not taking advantage of our opportunities.”
Corey Trice had a career night for himself and is very determined to have more games like the one he had today. That’s the way you defend your home turf and give this homecoming crowd something to cheer for.
Next up Purdue will travel to Iowa for a noon kickoff on Saturday 19 on ESPN2.
