In the season opener, the Purdue Boilermakers faced off against the Fresno State Bulldogs at newly renovated Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Indiana. This was the first game for new head coach Ryan Walters and it was a scorcher of a day. The Bulldogs started with the ball first, but if was the Boilers that struck first when Hudson Card connected with Deion Burks on an electrifying 84-yard pass, securing a touchdown and a 7-0 lead. The Bulldogs retaliated later in the 1st with a 6-play 55 yard drive ending with Mikey Keene firing a 29-yard pass to Erik Brooks for a touchdown, knotting the score at 7-7.
Late in the 1st quarter Purdue had 6 chance to score from within Fresno's 2 yard line, but it was not until the ticks into the second quarter, that Purdue finally knocked it in with a touchdown by Tyrone Tracy Jr., to make it 14-7. However every time the Boilermakers scored, the Bulldogs swiftly retaliated. This time is was a touchdown pass from Mikey Keene to Jalen Moss, equalizing the score once more. Purdue came right back as Hudson Card connected with to Deion Burks for 17 yards and a TD. As the 2nd quarter drew to a close, the Bulldogs hit a 52 yard field goal and the teams went to the locker room with Purdue holding a 21-17 advantage.
Purdue extended their lead quickly at the start of the 3rd quarter with a 98-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Tyrone Tracy Jr. Fresno State, however, refused to yield, adding another touchdown along with a two-point conversion to make the score 28-25 in Purdue's favor. After a three and out and a Purdue missed field goal, Fresno State scored on their next two consecutive drives. Purdue had a long, 74 yard drive themselves only to be stonewalled twice at the 1 yard line (again) turning the ball over on downs. After a dramatic interception by Freshman Safety Dillon Thieneman (Westfield HS), the Boilers hit paydirt on the second play as Devin Mockobee ran it in from the 11 yard line.
Fresno State sealed the deal with a touchdown pass from Mikey Keene to Erik Brooks, that seemed to float in the air for minutes. Purdue tried to put on one final drive but could not connect and the Bulldogs took the win with a final score of 39-35.