It’s pretty hard to overcome 3 turnovers, especially when those turnovers lead to 21 points for the opposing team. Despite those turnovers and being down 31-17, Purdue came out in the second half fighting, forcing 3 and outs and getting a touchdown. That momentum continued into the beginning of the 4th quarter as Purdue cut Northwestern’s lead to 31-27.
But after that, Purdue’s offense fell asleep and committed back-to-back 3-and-outs. While the officiating was not good, it was not the reason why Purdue lost this game. Purdue lost this game by giving Northwestern too much room in the first half, too many turnovers, and the offense going silent in the fourth quarter.