Leave no doubt.

That was Purdue’s mission as it closed out the 2021 regular season at home against in-state rival Indiana. The Boilermakers accomplished that goal, pummeling the Hoosiers in a 44-7 decision.

After spending two years in Bloomington, the Old Oaken Bucket returns to West Lafayette. And with the bucket, comes Purdue’s first 8-win season since 2007.

It’s the best year Jeff Brohm has enjoyed since taking over at Purdue. The result will likely be a favorable bowl game for the Boilermakers.

Once again, Purdue’s passing attack was unstoppable. Aidan O’Connell completed 26-of-31 passes for 278 yards and 4 touchdowns. David Bell caught 6 passes for 79 yards and Jackson Anthrop hauled in 4 passes for 63 yards and a score.

TJ Sheffield and Paul Piferi also hauled in touchdown grabs in the victory. Zander Horvath and King Doerue both rushed for 49 yards to lead the Boilers on the ground.

Indiana struggled offensively, scoring just one touchdown in the game. The lone trip to the end zone came on the Hoosiers’ first possession, an 11-play, 75-yard touchdown drive. That was the only luck Tom Allen’s team would have for the game.

The Hoosier offense finished the game with just 205 yards of offense and totaled a paltry 58 yards on 32 carries. Grant Gremel got the nod as the starter, but completed only 18-of-30 passes for 147 yards and a touchdown in the loss.

Purdue now improves to 8-4 on the season, posting upset victories over Iowa and Michigan State and taking down rival Indiana. It gives Brohm and his staff something big to build on heading into the 2022 campaign, as well.

Saturday night, the Boilers will celebrate by adding another “P” to the bucket. Soon, they’ll find out their bowl designation and shoot for win No. 9.