Purdue 43, Western Michigan 34

Purdue defeated Western Michigan by a score of 43 to 34 today, marking the Boilers first win against an FBS team since November 24^th, 2012.  Two of the worst offenses in the country last season came out firing, especially on the ground where they had a combined 478 yards of offense.

Quarterback Danny Etling was 19/38 for 181 yards, 2 touchdowns and no interceptions.  He also had a rushing touchdown in the 2^nd quarter, a perfectly executed QB draw play that literally everyone saw coming but the Broncos were unable to stop.  He had several really terrible overthrown balls as well as plenty of dropped passes.  His two touchdown throws were to tight ends Justin Sinz (7 rec, 65 yards) and Gabe Holmes (2 rec, 15 yds).

Raheem Mostert had a great day rushing the football with 22 carries for 146 yards and a touchdown.  He was particularly punishing in the 1^st quarter when he broke off a couple of 30+ yard runs and showed some nice moves and power runs to go along with his blazing speed.  Akeem Hunt also had a rushing touchdown and finished with 15 carries for 78 yards.

Paul Griggs was a surprising 3/3 on field goals, nailing kicks of 35 and 44 yards as well as a career-long 51 yarder, all in the 2^nd quarter.

Defensively, Purdue gave up a lot of points and a lot of yards.  The Boilers were outgained by the Broncos, 456 total yards to 407.  Purdue had decent pressure on Western Michigan's quarterback Zach Terrell, a sophomore from Ft. Wayne's Homestead High School.  Ryan Watson had Purdue's lone sack in the 1^st half, and Frankie Williams picked off Terrell for the Boiler's lone interception.  Williams ran the interception back 56 yards which set up Etling's rushing touchdown.  Williams had a fantastic day with a couple of very good punt returns and some timely deflections late in the 4^th quarter helping to secure the win.

Western Michigan has an outstanding freshman running back, Jarvion Franklin, who rushed the ball 19 times for 163 yards and 3 touchdowns.  Terrell finished 18 of 36 for 205 yards, 2 touchdowns and 1 interception.

Purdue got their first win of the season and has already matched their win total from 2013.  Their next game is Saturday, September 6th, against Central Michigan.