Saturday Blitz
Fansided

Purdue Football: Three takeaways from 20-10 upset of #21 Minnesota

By Dante Pryor

LINCOLN, NE - OCTOBER 30: Head coach Jeff Brohm of the Purdue Boilermakers watches the team warm up before the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on October 30, 2021 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)
LINCOLN, NE - OCTOBER 30: Head coach Jeff Brohm of the Purdue Boilermakers watches the team warm up before the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on October 30, 2021 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
Oct 1, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Purdue Boilermakers cornerback Cory Trice (23) deflects a pass intended for Minnesota Golden Gophers wide receiver Daniel Jackson (9) during the second quarter at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Purdue Boilermakers cornerback Cory Trice (23) deflects a pass intended for Minnesota Golden Gophers wide receiver Daniel Jackson (9) during the second quarter at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Purdue neutralized Minnesota in the trenches

The most surprising aspect of this game was how the Gophers were neutralized along the offensive and defensive line. Purdue’s defensive line often won against Minnesota’s offensive line. The Boilermakers sacked Tanner Morgan twice and had seven tackles for loss. However, It seemed as if Purdue was in the backfield all game long.

Kydran Jenkins and Semisi Fakasiieiki were in the Minnesota backfield all game long. Minnesota could not get its running game going, so Morgan could not get in a rhythm throwing the football. He was constantly scrambling or throwing before he wanted.

Purdue’s offensive line did an excellent job stonewalling the Gophers’ defensive line. Purdue running back Devin Mockabee ran for 112 yards and a touchdown in relief of starting running back King Doerue, who was out with injury. The passing game was not dynamic but effective enough to keep Minnesota’s safeties deep.

Minnesota did sack Aidan O’Connell twice, but those counted for two of their three tackles for loss. Head coach Jeff Brohm leaned on his offensive and defensive lines, which helped the Boilermakers from making the critical mistake and grind out the win.

Home/Big Ten