Credits: Boiler Football
In a commanding performance at Ross-Ade Stadium, the Purdue Boilermakers kicked off their 2024 season with a resounding 49-0 victory over the Indiana State Sycamores. The game, held on August 31, 2024, showcased Purdue’s offensive prowess and defensive strength, setting a high bar for the rest of the season.
Purdue’s offense was in peak condition, accumulating 583 yards overall, with 335 passing yards and 248 rushing yards. Equally remarkable was the Boilermakers’ defense, which restricted Indiana State to a mere 154 total yards and compelled them to punt ten times.
Hudson Card: The senior quarterback had an outstanding game, completing 24 of 25 passes for 273 yards and four touchdowns, matching the all-time FBS record for completion percentage (minimum 20 attempts). Card’s accuracy and composure were clear as he distributed the ball to various receivers.
Shoutout Hudson Card today:
— Zach Vogt (@ZachVogt30) August 31, 2024
– 24/25 96% completion%
– Single game FBS comp% record
– 273 yards
– 4 TDs
– 0 INT
1-0.
Why not us? pic.twitter.com/dwJXdiHii2
Max Klare: The tight end was a crucial target for Card, making six catches for 71 yards, including a nine-yard touchdown in the first quarter. Klare’s knack for finding open spaces and securing the ball made him a dependable option throughout the game.
Max Klare's racking up the receptions and yards early today 🚂#B1GFootball on @BigTenNetwork 📺 pic.twitter.com/yhyghXTIuu
— Purdue On BTN (@PurdueOnBTN) August 31, 2024
Jaron Tibbs: Tibbs made an impact with an eight-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter. His quick route running and reliable hands were evident as he helped extend Purdue’s lead.
TIBBS TD 🚂
— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) August 31, 2024
Jaron Tibbs' (@jarontibbs2023) first career score extends @BoilerFootball's lead.#B1GFootball on @BigTenNetwork 📺 pic.twitter.com/Vq2qVkKbUX
De’Nylon Morrissette: Another standout receiver, Morrissette, hauled in an eight-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter. His agility and speed posed a significant challenge for the Indiana State defense.
Another @BoilerFootball TD grab, another first career TD ✍️
— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) August 31, 2024
This time, it's De'Nylon Morrissette (@DenylonM). #B1GFootball on @BigTenNetwork 📺 pic.twitter.com/NYD7WTy7bJ
Leland Smith: Smith’s 31-yard touchdown catch in the third quarter was a game highlight. His ability to evade defenders and make big plays added a dynamic element to Purdue’s offense.
Leland Smith's 31-yard TD reception makes it 35-0. #BoilerUp pic.twitter.com/AlUXFNxzyX
— Purdue Football (@BoilerFootball) August 31, 2024
Reggie Love III: The junior running back scored on a six-yard run in the third quarter. Love’s strength and vision were on display as he navigated through the Sycamores’ defense.
Reggie Love‼️
— Purdue On BTN (@PurdueOnBTN) August 31, 2024
The RB just scored his first @BoilerFootball TD 🖤#B1GFootball on @BigTenNetwork 📺 pic.twitter.com/WMm0IYMBgb
Elijah Jackson: In his debut collegiate game, Jackson broke away for a 69-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter, showcasing his speed and potential as a future star for the Boilermakers.
Elijah Jackson (@elijahj89319162) goes 69 yards to the house for his first @BoilerFootball TD 🏃♂️#B1GFootball on @BigTenNetwork pic.twitter.com/LfZ10NxO1V
— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) August 31, 2024
Jaheim Merriweather: Merriweather finished the scoring with a four-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter. His performance underscored Purdue’s depth at the running back position.
Jaheim Merriweather into the end zone for our seventh TD of the day. pic.twitter.com/Wp17ItgfbM
— Purdue Football (@BoilerFootball) August 31, 2024
Purdue’s defense was unyielding, conceding just 50 passing yards and 104 rushing yards. Sophomore Will Heldt spearheaded the team with seven tackles and notched his first two career sacks, showcasing his growing impact on the field. Senior linebacker Kydran Jenkins also made a significant contribution, recording a sack in the second quarter and consistently pressuring the quarterback throughout the game. This defensive effort was a key factor in Purdue’s dominant performance.
The Boilermakers’ commanding victory over Indiana State establishes a promising start to the season. With a well-rounded offensive strategy and a formidable defense, Purdue appears ready to make a notable impression in the Big Ten Conference this year. Supporters will be keen to see if the team can sustain this high level of performance as they encounter more challenging opponents in the upcoming weeks.
