Improving on the defensive side of the ball was a point of emphasis for Purdue head coach Jeff Brohm in the offseason. It looked like it at Ross-Ade Stadium on Saturday evening.

A more aggressive defense ran out of the tunnel in West Lafayette in the season opener and it netted the Boilermakers an important 30-21 victory over Oregon State. There are certainly still some holes, but they weren’t quite as gaping as they’ve been in the past.

Purdue completely halted Oregon State’s rushing attack, with the Beavers totaling just 78 yards on 25 carries for the contest. The passing attack was more of a threat, but OSU still struggled to get into much of a rhythm. Sam Noyer completed 10-of-21 passes for 94 yards and Chance Nolan was 10-of-16 for 157 yards.

At the end of the game, Oregon State converted just 5-of-15 3rd down opportunities.

Cory Trice made plays out of the secondary. Cam Allen registered a big interception. George Karlaftis was frequently a threat off the edge. In all three areas, the Boilers looked a lot better. And that’s a good sign, considering Brohm went through a staff overhaul after a 2-4 year in 2020.

The Boilermakers looked like a team wanting to break-up passes, create turnovers and try to record more sacks. It was a breath of fresh air for a unit that posed as much of a threat as a group of tackling dummies over the last three seasons.

Oregon State was still able to make some key plays down the stretch offensive. Early in the fourth quarter, the Beavers put together a 7-play, 75-yard drive that cut Purdue’s 9-point lead down to 16-14. The Boilers responded, putting together a 6-play 37-yard drive to build the lead back up to two possessions, courtesy of a 5-yard pass from Jack Plummer to Payne Durham.

On OSU’s following possession Nolan hit Champ Flemings for a 45-yard pass that set up another touchdown. There were certainly some hold-your-breath moments inside Ross-Ade Stadium.

Purdue responded one more time, connecting on a 50-yard pass from Plummer to Durham to secure the victory and start the season 1-0.

The defense did enough to hang on to the win, even if it wasn’t pretty at times. It was critical, too. After back-to-back losing seasons, Purdue is desperate to hit that all-important 6-win mark and return to the postseason. Beating Oregon State seems pivotal in accomplishing that task.

Purdue’s passing attack was the strength once again. Plummer completed 29-of-41 passes for 313 yards and 2 touchdowns. David Bell and Durham were the top two pass catchers, accounting for 134 yards and 120 yards, respectively.

Durham had both of the touchdown catches for the Boilers.

Running the football was still an issue, as was the offensive line. The Boilers totaled just 90 yards on 32 carries for the game and Plummer frequently found himself under pressure in the passing attack. Those areas still need to be addressed.

Brohm’s primary focus in the offseason was improving on the defensive side of the ball, though. The Boilermakers showed some leaks late in the game, but it looks like a unit capable of being much better than it has been.