Nebraska Dominates Second Half to Secure 28-10 Victory Over Purdue

Ryan: "Happy Homecoming, Boilermakers. Unfortunately, that's what you came home to. Are any coaches, especially on offense, going to be held accountable? Only 37 days until basketball season, folks."

Ledman: "That first half was one of the strangest I've ever seen. Multiple missed and blocked field goals, and both teams unable to convert on third down. I didn’t expect a 0-0 tie at halftime, but I was content with it. Then the second half happened, and things fell apart.

Purdue briefly led 3-0, but the defense, despite holding Nebraska for as long as possible, saw flag after flag, most deserved, that extended Nebraska's drives. The game slipped away in the fourth quarter, as Purdue allowed 28 points.

The key issues? Hudson Card’s inability to connect with receivers and holding onto the ball too long, leading to sacks. If it were up to me, I’d fire Graham Harrell today. This offense needs immediate change."

Jed: "This game went pretty much as expected. It was a pleasant surprise to see Purdue enter halftime tied at 0-0 after blocking two field goals, with the defense not completely hung out to dry by the offense. But the second half was another offensive collapse, just like in the last two games. How much longer can Coach Walters tolerate this after seeing clear progress from the defense?

Graham Harrell is responsible for what may be the worst offense in the Power Five. His lack of innovation is shocking for someone touted as a disciple of Mike Leach. If there’s no shake-up on offense after this week, I’m not sure where the program is headed."

Drew: "Starting with the positive, the defense played significantly better today against a pass-heavy Nebraska team. They kept Purdue in the game, despite some questionable officiating. While there were legitimate pass interference calls, I counted at least three where Nebraska receivers initiated contact but the flags went against Purdue. That said, the Boilermaker defense played well enough to win.

Now, the negatives. Nebraska stuffed the outside zone run, and Purdue couldn’t run between the tackles. Missing two of their three top wide receivers, it was clear that Hudson Card didn’t trust the younger guys. The pick-6? A direct result of forcing the ball to Klare instead of finding an open Morrissette.

Card is holding onto the ball too long. The air raid offense relies on quick throws, but Card isn’t delivering. At this point, I’m not sure what he offers that a backup QB—who's used to working with the second-string receivers—couldn’t bring. It might be time to give the young quarterbacks a shot because Card isn’t trusting his receivers to make plays. Purdue doesn’t have ‘get-open’ guys; they have big-bodied receivers who can win contested catches. When Card did trust them, Tibbs made a great catch, and Smith scored a touchdown.

If you’re brave enough to rewatch, focus on Card’s feet. When he hits the back foot, the ball should be out, but it’s not. He’s running a timing offense without the timing. Maybe it’s