Purdue has certainly had its ups and downs in 2018, but by the end of the season, the Boilermakers were able to become bowl eligible and got invited to participate in the Music City Bowl against Auburn.

Purdue finished the year at 6-6, so the final game at Indiana meant the difference between becoming bow eligible and missing out. The 28-21 road victory sealed the deal.

In the team’s final 3 games of the season, the Boilermakers were without safety Jacob Thieneman due to an injured shoulder and a staph infection. However, with the game against Auburn scheduled for Dec. 28, Thieneman had good news:

Having Thieneman back will certainly help against the quality SEC opponent. Against Ohio State earlier in the season — which was certainly Purdue’s biggest win — the 6-foot-1 senior recorded 9 tackles and a pass deflection in the 49-20 upset.