Homecoming weekend in West Lafayette at Ross-Ade stadium and night game that did not disappoint. The Boilers were picked to win big before the game, but the Owls came to play and pushed Purdue to the limit.
QB Austin Burton got the nod to take over the helm of the Boilermaker offense since Aiden O'Connell was still injured coming off the Syracuse game. He wasted no time and led the Boilers on a 10 play, 77 yard finished off with a 7 yard toss to Charlie Jones for the touchdown.
Florida Atlantic kicked a field goal at the beginning of the 2nd quarter and after a Purdue 3 and out, had an impressive 14 play, 96 yard touchdown to take the lead. The Boilers were not able to answer the bell, and got stopped in the next series on a 4th and 1. FAU was able to take advantage and get another field goal. With less than 2 minutes to go in the half, Purdue marched down the field and scored on a 12 yard pass and catch between Burton and Jones. Purdue took that 14-13 lead into the half.
Purdue stopped FAU with a 3 and out to start the 3rd quarter, then went down the field, with the help of some big penalties from the Owls, and scored another touchdown. Dylan Downing, Carmel, IN, punched it in from 2 yards out to extend the lead, 21-13.
The Owls did not go away quietly though. They amped up their passing game and with just a few long passes scored a touchdown to bring them within a point. After Purdue drove down and missed a FG, the Owls came right back down and scored what appeared to be the go ahead score, but it was called back by penalty. After an incomplete pass, Purdue's Chris Jefferson was able to get his second interception of the year and run it back 55 yards to the FAU 35. 6 plays later, Ashton Burton found TJ Sheffield in the endzone for the final Boilermaker score.
FAU was still not done and scored a touchdown with just under five and a half to go in the game. They tried for a 2-point conversion but the pass was broken up. On the next possession Purdue got one first down, but was forced to punt with just a little over two minutes left to go. Florida Atlantic started to drive, but on a short yardage run, Purdue stacked the line and forced a fumble recovered by Sanoussi Kanet that sealed the game. Final from Ross-Ade Staduium, Purdue 28, FAU 26.
