Purdue Football: 3 takeaways from controversial loss to Minnesota

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Nov 20, 2020; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Purdue Boilermakers safety Marvin Grant (4) celebrates with linebacker Derrick Barnes (55) after making a tackle on fourth down to stop Minnesota Golden Gophers offense of possession at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

3. It’s the little things

It is hard to discount the two controversial calls that went against Purdue Friday night. However, any head coach will say that the game should never be in the officials’ hands.

Purdue put themselves in a position to have the game in the hands of the referees on Friday. Minnesota had 15 possessions Friday night and punted on just two, having the ball at the end of the half and the game.

Also, Purdue could not keep Minnesota out of the end zone. Every scoring drive for the Gophers ended in a touchdown.

Purdue, on the other hand, dug themselves a hole early. Before the half, the call did not help the Boilermakers, but this was a game in which the last team to have the ball would win. Purdue missed two field goals and settled for field goals when Minnesota scored touchdowns.

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