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Purdue has played the role of giant-killer twice this 2021 season as the Boilermakers previously beat No. 2 Iowa 24-7 in Iowa City on Oct. 16 and No. 3 Michigan State 40-29 this past Saturday.
Purdue quarterback Aidan O’Connell played a huge role in upsetting the Spartans. O’Connell went 40-of-54 through the air for 536 yards, 3 touchdowns, no interceptions, and a QBR of 95.6.
In his huge role of creating an explosive offensive team performance against a highly efficient defense of Michigan State, O’Connell earned the Rose Bowl Game B1G Player of the Week.
Aidan O’Connell was outstanding as @BoilerFootball beat #3 Michigan State.
For his efforts, he has been named #RoseBowl Game @bigten Player of the Week! pic.twitter.com/IWh0UJMkQT
— Rose Bowl Game (@rosebowlgame) November 8, 2021
As a part of O’Connell’s big day, he kept finding star receiver David Bell time and time again. Bell wound up with over 200 yards receiving.
In 8 games this season, O’Connell passed for 194-of-271 for 2,087 yards, 12 touchdowns, 8 interceptions, and a season QBR of 86.1