WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue had multiple chances to finish off Wake Forest on Saturday, but the Demon Deacons survived each one.
Wake Forest escaped Ross-Ade Stadium with a 38-36 double-overtime victory, converting a critical fourth-and-15 in the second overtime before quarterback Gio Lopez helped finish the comeback with a touchdown and decisive two-point conversion.
The loss dropped Purdue to 1-1 after the Boilermakers rallied from a 17-10 halftime deficit and forced overtime behind a strong second-half performance from quarterback Ryan Browne.
Purdue opened aggressively. Fame Ijeboi capped the Boilermakers’ first possession with a 14-yard touchdown run, bouncing outside and reaching the end zone to give Purdue an early advantage.
Wake Forest responded behind Lopez, who created problems with both his arm and legs. The Demon Deacons gradually took control and carried a seven-point lead into halftime as Purdue struggled to generate consistent pressure and establish its running game.
Ijeboi remained one of Purdue’s most productive weapons. He contributed as a runner and receiver, including two catches on a late first-half possession that helped move the Boilermakers inside the Wake Forest 5. Purdue was unable to finish the drive with a touchdown and settled for a field goal.
Wake Forest continued to find answers after halftime, scoring on four consecutive possessions without punting. But Purdue stayed within striking distance, and Ijeboi’s 25-yard run helped spark another scoring opportunity.
Browne found his rhythm in the fourth quarter, completing 8 of 10 passes for more than 80 yards as the Boilermakers erased the deficit and forced overtime.
The teams traded scores in the extra periods before the game reached its defining sequence. Purdue appeared close to ending Wake Forest’s second-overtime possession with the Demon Deacons facing fourth-and-15, but Wake Forest converted after a review allowed the drive to continue.
Lopez then helped capitalize on the second chance, putting Wake Forest in the end zone and adding the two-point conversion that ultimately separated the teams.
For Purdue, the narrow loss followed a 44-19 season-opening victory over Indiana State. The Boilermakers showed they could respond after falling behind, but missed opportunities and an inability to close out Wake Forest proved costly.
Wake Forest improved to 2-0 after opening its season with a 38-16 victory over Akron.
D. Wright Takeaway
Fame Ijeboi provided the spark, but Purdue couldn’t deliver the finish.
The Boilermakers showed enough offensive firepower to battle back and extend the game, but Wake Forest converted when its season was hanging on a fourth-and-15. In a game decided by a two-point conversion, Purdue’s missed opportunities ultimately made the difference.