West Lafayette, In. — Purdue opened its season in impressive fashion Friday night, riding a record-setting performance from quarterback Ryan Browne to a 44-19 victory over Indiana State.
Browne delivered the best passing game of his career, throwing for 317 yards and three touchdowns while completing 23 of 29 attempts. The junior surpassed his previous career high of 311 passing yards, which he established last season.
Browne connected with Chauncey Magwood on a 6-yard touchdown, found Tra’Mar Harris for a 7-yard score and later hit Asaad Waseem on an 18-yard touchdown pass.
Purdue entered halftime with a 16-6 advantage before taking complete control after the break. The Boilermakers erupted for 28 consecutive points, turning a relatively competitive first half into a comfortable victory.
The final blow came early in the fourth quarter when Don Saunders intercepted a pass and returned it 35 yards for a touchdown. The play pushed Purdue’s lead to 44-6 with just 12 seconds elapsed in the quarter.
Indiana State managed to put together two fourth-quarter touchdown drives after Purdue had built its commanding lead. Brady Allen provided a spark after taking over at quarterback, completing three of five passes for 117 yards and a touchdown. Elijah Owens finished the night 9-of-17 for 101 yards.
The Takeaway
Indiana State: The Sycamores remained winless in eight all-time meetings with Purdue, but Friday’s performance was considerably more competitive than their previous two encounters. Purdue shut out Indiana State 56-0 in 2022 and 49-0 in 2024. This time, the Sycamores produced 284 total yards and stayed within striking distance during much of the opening half.
Purdue: Fame Ijeboi made an immediate impact in his first game with the Boilermakers after transferring from Minnesota. He finished with 87 rushing yards and a touchdown. Ijeboi appeared headed for an even bigger night when he broke loose for a 63-yard touchdown run, but the play was wiped out by a penalty.
Purdue’s offense ultimately generated 523 total yards, although the Boilermakers will have to clean up some mistakes after being flagged nine times for 85 yards.
Purdue Settles for Field Goals Early
Purdue had several opportunities to put the game away early but struggled to finish drives inside the Indiana State 25-yard line.
The Boilermakers reached the red zone three times during the first half without finding the end zone, forcing them to settle for field goals instead.
Freshman kicker Jacobo Echeverria Lozano provided a reliable answer, converting attempts from 39, 25 and 23 yards to help Purdue build its halftime lead.
Looking Ahead
Indiana State: The Sycamores return to action Sept. 12 when they travel to Eastern Illinois.
Purdue: The Boilermakers remain at home next week, welcoming Wake Forest to West Lafayette on Sept. 12.
