Purdue football’s disappointing season added another chapter Friday night at Spartan Stadium. Facing Michigan State, the Boilermakers had moments of brilliance but were ultimately undone by costly mistakes. The game reflected a recurring theme for Purdue: missed opportunities and self-inflicted wounds.
Missed Opportunities and Critical Errors From Purdue Football
The Boilermakers had a chance to rewrite the script in the final minutes, trailing by seven with the ball in their hands. Quarterback Hudson Card, who notched his second 300-yard game of the season, delivered a deep pass that slipped through Jahmal Edrine’s fingers with just over five minutes remaining. The drop was a turning point, as Purdue turned the ball over on downs shortly after. Michigan State sealed the game by converting a 4th-and-1 with under two minutes to go.
Purdue’s struggles began early. A fumbled handoff by Devin Mockobee set the tone, and while the defense forced Michigan State into tough positions, penalties and miscues erased potential momentum. A crucial interception by Dillon Thieneman was nullified by a pass interference call, and an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty extended a Michigan State drive that ended with a touchdown.
Special teams also faltered, with a mishandled snap leading to a blocked field goal attempt. It was another in a string of first-half struggles for Purdue, which has been outscored 208-53 in the opening halves this season. Against FBS opponents, that differential worsens to 208-32.
While Purdue football’s defense showed glimpses of resilience, and Card demonstrated his potential, the season’s pattern of unforced errors and lackluster starts proved insurmountable once again. With one game left, the Boilermakers must look to regroup and learn from a season marred by “what-ifs.”
