Final Score: Purdue 31, Maryland 29

Brief Recap: After a lackluster third quarter between Maryland and Purdue, the two sides finally exchanged some fireworks in the fourth quarter. Unfortunately for the Terrapins, a missed extra-point attempt dramatically altered the final outlook for the game.

After scoring on a short throw from Taulia Tagovailoa to Roman Hemby, Maryland had the extra-point try blocked by the Boilermakers. After that score, Aidan O’Connell drove Purdue right back down the field for a touchdown and the go-ahead kick.

The Boilermakers proceeded to force a quick 3-and-out from the Terps with the game on the line. Purdue converted a big play on the ensuing drive and would eventually punch in a touchdown to make it 31-23 with just over a minute remaining in regulation.

Taulia Tagovailoa and the Terps were not done quite yet. They battled back down the field and scored a touchdown with 35 seconds remaining.

Trailing by 2, Maryland initially converted the 2-point try. However, a flag came flying in and would nullify the conversion.

Key Player: Despite some mistakes, this undoubtedly goes to Purdue QB Aidan O’Connell who completed 30-of-41 passes for 360 yards and 2 touchdowns with an interception. Considering the Boilermaker backfield produced 41 rushing yards, Purdue needed every bit of O’Connell’s production on the afternoon.

O’Connell saved his best work for late with a huge touchdown drive and then another key conversion to eat up clock time late in the fourth. His favorite target – tight end Payne Durham – finished with 7 catches for 107 yards and a touchdown in the game.

Key Moment: The blocked extra point looms large for the Terrapins after a chance to tie the game up late. Had Maryland converted that kick, it would have likely been a 31-all game late in the game and likely overtime chance for the Terps.

Instead, Purdue escapes with a two-point win after the wild results at the very end of the game.

Key Stat: For Maryland, the 9 penalties will loom large, particularly the late penalty that wiped away the game-tying two-point conversion. It is certainly an issue that will need to be cleaned up moving forward.

For Purdue, the Boilermaker defense limited Maryland to 72 yards rushing and less than 3 yards per carry at 2.9 on the game. That stout defensive front proved to be the difference in a salty game.