Purdue Football vs. Northwestern Grades: Ryan Walters' decision was costly

WEST LAFAYETTE – Purdue football once again failed to win a winnable game, and the Boilermakers' losing streak reached seven with a 26-20 overtime loss to Northwestern on Saturday.

The Boilermakers gave up their quarterback job in the second half, allowing Hudson Card to put the team back in front after a 17-3 deficit late in the first half. The defense, which too often got hurt at critical moments in the first half, stiffened and held the Wildcats to a field goal in the third and fourth quarters.

Then in overtime, coach Ryan Walters inexplicably went for 4th-and-5, Purdue didn't convert, and Northwestern scored two plays later.

Attack: C+

Card started and played the first two series, Ryan Browne played the next two and Card returned to lead the two-minute drill touchdown drive before halftime. Maybe that was the intended plan, but considering how well Card fit, one could argue that Purdue should have just stayed in the fast lane. The bigger problem, however, remained the offensive line. It fixed most unforced errors before snapping, but was pushed around too many times.

Defense: C-

Northwestern was the Big Ten's worst offense against FBS opponents in yards per play (4.24, team only under five yards), third-down percentage (24.18%, team only under 25%) and quarterback percentage. Passing efficiency (93.24, team only). under 100). The Wildcats' leading receiver, Bryce Kirtz, did not play due to injury. And yet in the first half, they averaged 6.6 yards per play, converted 6 of 7 third downs, and made big plays in the passing game despite some absolutely hilarious quarterback moments. Joseph Himon II's 51-yard touchdown came on two missed tackles. In the second half, however, the unity prevailed. But that good work was undone when coverage of the Wildcats' game-winning touchdown in OT was interrupted.

Special Teams: C-

The third special teams return disaster in four games was narrowly averted. The hesitant kickoff reception after Northwestern took a 17-3 lead forced Hudson Card to drive 90 yards in the two-minute drill. The grade needs to be downgraded because Spencer Porath – or anyone else – apparently wasn't prepared for the 37-yard field goal attempt in overtime.

Coach: F

Incredible decision to go into overtime on the 4th and 6th. An indictment of so many aspects of this team right now. Walters' lack of experience as an offensive play-caller is evident in his late-down, short-yardage play calls. He relies too much on what might surprise a defense – or he simply doesn't trust the offense to fight its way straight up a yard or two. Regardless, the 4th-and-4 attempt at midfield was a touch too aggressive against a poor defense and opened the door for a short field touchdown drive. Two trick plays “worked” — one thanks to a Northwestern penalty — but were on the verge of disaster. With two weeks to prepare for a very beatable opponent, Purdue blew it.

Game play

Northwestern's unsportsmanlike penalty on the final play of Purdue's overtime possession meant the game had to start at the 40 instead of the 25. The WIldcats needed to know they could simply attack the perimeter to gain big yards. Quarterback Jack Lausch flicked the ball to running back Joseph Himon II for a slight 18-yard gain.

Player of the game

Card returned after his two-game absence and once again proved who QB1 is. He completed 21 of 31 passes for 267 yards and a touchdown.