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Rapid Reaction: Purdue produces incredible upset of No. 2 Iowa inside Kinnick Stadium
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Final Score: Purdue 24, Iowa 7
Brief Recap: One week removed from the incredible win over Penn State, Iowa could not keep its undefeated season rolling. Purdue rolled into Kinnick Stadium and produced an incredible upset with the Hawkeyes looking sloppy out of the gate. Spencer Petras threw an interception on the opening possession of the game with Iowa missing on a short field goal try in the first half. It all led to Purdue taking a 14-7 lead at halftime.
Coming out of the break, the Boilermakers went right to work, utilizing star receiver David Bell again and again against the Hawkeyes. Bell had a 47-yard grab to set up a field goal in the third quarter, and he added to his incredible afternoon with a 4th-quarter touchdown. A controversial review provided Iowa a chance to get back into the game, but the Boilermaker defense produced a quick 3-and-out. After that, a 17-point deficit in the fourth was too much for Iowa to battle back from.
Key Player: Purdue’s David Bell produced the performance of the day in the B1G, and possibly in all of college football. Bell set a career-high mark with 240 yards receiving on 11 catches with a touchdown. Aidan O’Connell did throw for 375 yards against a tough Hawkeye defense, but it was the work of Bell that helped make it all possible. Bell’s previous career-high was 197 yards (in 2019, also against Iowa), and his 240 yards ranks No. 2 all-time for a single game performance at Purdue.
Key Moment: Late in the third quarter, Purdue appeared set to improve on a 10-point lead. The Boilermakers used a 15-play drive that appeared to end with a TJ Sheffield touchdown. After review, Sheffield’s play turned into a fumble and touchback with Iowa taking over possession. Purdue’s defense did not falter, sacking Petras twice and getting a quick 3-and-out. On the ensuing possession, Bell scored the deciding blow as Purdue finished off the upset.
Key Stat: 9-for-16, Purdue’s third-down efficiency against Iowa’s defense. However, the Boilermakers were even better than that number shows. At one point, Purdue was 8-for-12 on third downs before slowing down the game to try and run the clock out. It was a brilliant performance from Jeff Brohm’s offense.
What it means for Purdue: Purdue’s bid to get to a bowl game received a big shot in the arm with the signature upset. Now at 4-2, the Boilermakers need just 2 wins the rest of the way to get to bowl eligibility. However, it is worth noting that Purdue’s win produces a 3-way tie for first place in the B1G West between Iowa, Minnesota, and Purdue, each with 1 conference loss. It is hard to envision the Boilermakers maintaining pace in the division, but anything can happen down the stretch.
What it means for Iowa: Iowa blew what appeared to be a great shot at running the table this season, though the remaining schedule likely looks a bit different after the disappointing loss. The Hawkeyes still have a favorable schedule down the stretch but must still play at Wisconsin, vs. Minnesota, and at Nebraska. With the loss to Purdue, Iowa must make sure to win out – and trust that the Boilermakers will falter in their tough schedule – in order to get to the B1G Championship Game.
Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.