Five numbers that shaped Purdue's season-opening victory over Ball State
The Boilermakers started the Barry Odom era with a 31-0 victory over the Cardinals at Ross-Ade Stadium
The 56-0 victory over Indiana State last year should’ve set the tone.
It didn’t. After Purdue won its opener a year ago, the Boilermakers fell apart, thanks to the brutal schedule and the lack of experience on the sidelines. The 11-game losing streak to end the season was an eyesore.
Here’s the bold prediction for 2025 - there will be no 11-game losing streak this season. In part because of the schedule - FCS foe Southern Illinois is up next - and this program is in a far better place wth Barry Odom and his staff in charge.
That was much evident on Saturday as efficiency and execution ruled Odom’s first victory as Purdue’s head coach.
Here are five numbers that shaped the 31-0 win:
40 SECONDS
It didn’t take the Boilermakers long to leave a first impression.
Two plays after Ball State was called for defensive holding, quarterback Ryan Browne hit Arhmad Branch on a post route. The sophomore receiver did the rest, breaking tackles and spinning his way into the end zone for a 49-yard touchdown.
Just what the offense - and Browne - needed to settle into the game. Five minutes later, Browne’s 5-yard run capped a six-play drive, and the Boilermakers were up 14-0. In fact, Purdue scored on three of its first four possessions and had Ball State in a headlock it wouldn’t relinquish.
Give credit to the fast start.
311
Browne was the best quarterback during training camp, and it showed against the Cardinals. The pitch-and-catch component on a combination of slant and post routes was executed nearly flawlessly. It wasn’t perfect - and it wasn’t going to be - but Browne backed up Odom’s decision to put the sophomore in the No. 1 spot.
He connected with seven different receivers, with six catching at least two passes. Michael Jackson III had six receptions, including a touchdown, and showcased his talents. Same for Branch, whose initial burst on the first drive gives the receiving group more depth since De’Nylon Morrissette and Chauncy Magwood were unavailable.
MORE: Dave Wegiel Photography | Chad Krockover Photography |
Browne connected on his first six passes en route to a career-high 311 yards, topping last year’s mark of 297 at Illinois. He completed 15 of his first 19 passes, including 9 of 10 to start the game, and was sacked once.
If anything, Browne can build more momentum next week before jumping into the deep end with USC and Notre Dame on the horizon.
26:20
Purdue possessed the ball for less than half the game but scored 31 points and totaled 433 yards. Meanwhile, Ball State was on offense for 33:40 but produced nothing in terms of points.
The best scoring opportunities for the Cardinals were a pair of missed field goals in the second half. Ball State did move the ball, leaning on misdirection plays and quarterback Kiael Kelly exploiting the edge.
But what Purdue’s offense did was solid. It didn’t waste time. It didn’t have to fight penalties and turnovers. The 13-play, 91-yard scoring drive early in the second quarter, capped by Devin Mockobee’s 4-yard touchdown from the Wildcat formation, didn’t have a negative play.
This offense was prepared, and it showed.
5
The 54 transfers Odom brought to the program were bound to make an impact, but five of the eight who came from UNLV provided a lift.
Two offensive linemen - Jalen St. John, who was in the starting lineup - and Hank Purvis helped protect Browne and created running lanes for Mockobee and Antonio Harris.
However, linebackers Mani Powell and Charles Correa were part of the charge on defense, which registered four sacks. They totaled nine tackles and combined for 1.5 tackles for loss as the Boilermakers relied on their base formation and brought a handful of blitzes.
Ball State’s offense generated just over 200 yards and was 5 of 15 on third and fourth downs.
The players from UNLV understand Odom and his staff and are comfortable in his system. For some, it showed on Saturday.
50.3
How much of a weapon will punter Jack McCallister be this season?
Based on Saturday’s performance, where the senior transfer from Washington averaged 50.3 yards on three punts, the Boilermakers might have something.
It wasn’t just the average, but his three attempts pinned the Cardinals at the 15, 4, and 6-yard lines, respectively. McCallister could be the best friend of the defense.
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Nice breakdown Mike! Thanks.
This is what Purdue Fans have been waiting for—A win— I know that this wasn’t from a power 5 team— and we were expected to win— but the team played good— what I watch is the “O”line— and they were good— they are the most important players on the team— my opinion only—but ask Mockobee and Browne—I think they would agree with me— for the game we did not get our running game going— but I think you will see more of Mockobee and company this week—we will see— QB Browne looked good and the main thing we executed the plays— last year I always said that we had talent on the team— we had it— the team did not deliver—- I don’t think that will happen this year— the reason— a lot better Coaching —from the head coach on down—-and also the team captains are responsible to get the team ready—even if a team loses 2 or 3 games in a roll— they need to keep the team committed—that is their main job—just remember what I am writing is strictly my opinion and I stand by it—after this week things change—- the going gets a lot tougher— but that is no reason to not compete at our highest level— that is what I expect— if you are doing the best that you can— I am 100 % satisfied— I wasn’t last year because we were better than we played— A lot of fans will agree with that—-soooo—- I want to wish you the very best for tomorrow— play hard— stay focused and we will see where this game goes— go Boilers—-Hammer Down— Ed from Wanamaker