The Purdue Boilermakers kicked off their 2021 season by hosting the Oregon State Beavers in one of college football’s non-conference matchups in week one. This game is only the second time in program history that the Boilermakers have faced the Beavers. The last time the two teams met was on October 21st, 1967, when the Beavers defeated the Boilermakers 22-14 in West Lafayette, Indiana.

After allowing a touchdown earlier in the game, the Boilermaker needed to find an offensive rhythm and create an efficient drive for a score. The Boilermakers were able to find the scoreboard in a four-play drive late in the first quarter.

Senior running back Zander Horvath took a direct snap from the wildcat formation where he was met in the backfield by Beavers sophomore outside linebacker Riley Sharp. Despite Sharp going for the legs and attempting to wrap up the ball carrier, Horvath’s elusiveness and balanced caused him to avoid the tackle and run through the big hole created by the offensive line. Horvath took the ball into the end zone for an 11-yard touchdown run.

The run by Horvath was the first touchdown of the season for the Boilermakers in 2021. The score is currently tied at 7-7 still in the second quarter.