Purdue Football: 3 takeaways from failed comeback vs. Northwestern

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Purdue safety Cory Trice (23) breaks up a pass intended for Northwestern wide receiver Ramaud Chiaokhiao-Bowman (81) during the second quarter of an NCAA football game, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette. /

3. It is the little things that can decide a game

Missing so much firepower, the Boilermakers could not afford to play from behind against Northwestern, especially how well the Wildcats defend. When the score was 17-10 and Purdue driving, Northwestern defender Eku Leota stripped the ball from quarterback Aidan O’Connell and linebacker Paddy Fischer recovered.

That seven-point swing proved to be the difference in the game. The two-possession lead was just what Northwestern needed to win the game.

Leota was not done making key plays. The Boilermakers were driving again late in the fourth quarter when Leota sacked O’Connell on third-and-7. A crucial sack the Boilermakers could not afford to take. It was fourth-and-14. O’Connell missed the pass effectively ending the come back for Purdue.

Purdue was behind the sticks most of the day converting four of 17 third downs. The Boilermakers were in third-and-long most of the game. It’s hard to convert when you spend most of the game behind the sticks.

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