Like DAG said earlier, I'm more disappointed than mad about this loss (OK, I'm lying....I'm still pretty pissed). The W was there for the taking. I think it came down to a handful of plays (every close game does) but it was the timing of those plays.
1) fumble: Purdue was driving, at minimum, getting 3 pts and going into the half either up 17-14 or down 14-13. Fumble, missed tackles and boom, down 21-10.
2) Late in the 4th, P converts a 3rd/10, (or maybe 2nd n 10?) with a 15 yrd completion to Durham. Called back for a chop block. You'll only see that called a few times the entire year.
3) AOC underthrowing Sheffield on 3rd/long late in the 4th. Complete that and it's game over. Which brings me to.....
WHY THE HELL WERE WE THROWING LOW COMPLETION % PASSES WHILE TRYING TO RUN THE CLOCK!?
We actually showed some semblance of a run game and completely abandoned it while trying to burn clock. King was running hard, finding some holes, getting a few tough yards. OK, let's say they load the box to stop the run and force you to pass... then throw high % passes that are easy to complete and keep the clock moving. RB/WR screens, bubble screens, shovel pass, anything but trying to attack a 1st round DB playing press coverage.
1) fumble: Purdue was driving, at minimum, getting 3 pts and going into the half either up 17-14 or down 14-13. Fumble, missed tackles and boom, down 21-10.
2) Late in the 4th, P converts a 3rd/10, (or maybe 2nd n 10?) with a 15 yrd completion to Durham. Called back for a chop block. You'll only see that called a few times the entire year.
3) AOC underthrowing Sheffield on 3rd/long late in the 4th. Complete that and it's game over. Which brings me to.....
WHY THE HELL WERE WE THROWING LOW COMPLETION % PASSES WHILE TRYING TO RUN THE CLOCK!?
We actually showed some semblance of a run game and completely abandoned it while trying to burn clock. King was running hard, finding some holes, getting a few tough yards. OK, let's say they load the box to stop the run and force you to pass... then throw high % passes that are easy to complete and keep the clock moving. RB/WR screens, bubble screens, shovel pass, anything but trying to attack a 1st round DB playing press coverage.
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