Notre Dame hammers Purdue

October 01, 2011|by Pete Byrne (pmbyrne@wsbt.com)

WEST LAFAYETTE - Purdue committed more turnovers in the first fifteen seconds, than Notre Dame did all game. And that fact contributed to a 38-10 blowout win by Notre Dame.

On the 1st play from scrimmage, Purdue QB Caleb TerBush throws into triple coverage, and Notre Dame CB Gary Gray picks it off. Notre Dame took over possession on Purdue's 35 yard line and needed just two plays to cash in. Tommy Rees threw a strike to Michael Floyd, and the Irish had a 7-0 lead just 24 seconds into the game. Floyd ended the night with 12 receptions for 137 yards. The 16th 100 yard game of Floyd's career is a school record.

A critical personal foul penalty by the Boilers contributed to Notre Dame's next score. After a Tommy Rees pass intended for Tyler Eifert sailed out of the back of the endzone, a Purdue player was flagged for taunting. On the next play Jonas Gray carried for a touchdown and a 14-0 Notre Dame lead. Gray had 15 carries for 94 yards.

Notre Dame's other running back Cierre Wood, ahd the best game of his career, rushing for 192 yards on 19 carries. 55 of those 192 came on a 2nd quarter touchdown run that put Notre Dame up 21-0.

Rees led the Irish on an efficient 7 play, 69 yard drive to start the 3rd quarter, culminating in a 6 yard touchdown pass to Tyler Eifert. Rees then capped his day with an 11-yard touchdown pass to TJ Jones to give the Irish a 35-3 lead.

On the night, Rees completed 24-40 passes for 254 yards for 3 touchdowns and no turnovers. It the first time all season that Notre Dame has not committed a turnover.

A late Purdue touchdown in the final minute capped the scoring, leaving Notre Dame with a 38-0 win. Notre Dame outgained Purdue 551-276, with 95 of those yards coming against Notre Dame's backups in mop-up time.

The Irish improve to 3-2 on the season, after an 0-2 start.

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