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By the Numbers: How Michigan State shut down Purdue’s explosive offense
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Shutting down Purdue’s offense has been a nearly impossible task over the last five weeks. None of the previous five opponents have been able to stop the Boilermakers.
The combination of David Blough, D.J. Knox and Rondale Moore has been too potent of an attack. Somehow, though, Michigan State figured out the formula to keeping Jeff Brohm’s offense in check.
Here’s some of Michigan State’s impressive numbers, helping boost the Spartans to a 23-13 lead and get one win closer to bowl eligibility.
339: Purdue’s total yardage amount. It was the lowest offensive output of the season for Brohm’s squad.
62: Rushing yards. That was the second-lowest total of the season for the Boilermakers and their least efficient ground game in B1G play.
62: Number of plays Purdue’s offense ran. It was the first time all season the Boilers had none had 65 offensive snaps in a game.
23.1: Michigan State shut down Purdue on third down attempts, as the Boilers converted just 3-of-13. They’re season average was at 44 percent. It was the worst conversion rate of the season.
21:47: That was Purdue’s time of possession. The Spartans were all about ball control and dominating the TOP on Saturday.
13: Points. It was the lowest point total of the year for the Boilermakers.
13: Rushing attempts. You guessed it, another low for Purdue’s offense this season.
6.7: Yards per catch Rondale Moore averaged. The Spartans did a great job on the explosive freshman, who was averaging 12.8 yards per catch entering the game.
3: David Blough’s interception total. Entering Saturday’s game, Blough had thrown just three interceptions all season.
0: For the first time all year, Purdue had zero touchdown passes.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB