 PURDUE 37, WESTERN MICHIGAN 32 Editor's Note: Game action photos courtesy of Jim Klapthor are available for viewing through the following link:
http://www.macreportonline.com/mrogallery/thumbnails.php?album=14
Quarterback Alex Carder and receiver Jordan White put on a show for the nation as Carder finished 31-of-57 for 439 yards and three passing touchdowns, connecting 13 times with White for 265 yards and one score.
WMU CASHES IN FOR EARLY LEAD
The Broncos jumped out to an early lead after a fumble recovery by senior Mitch Zajac gave the Broncos the ball at the Purdue 49 yard line. Eight seconds later, Carder connected with White for a touchdown on a flea-flicker. On the ensuing extra point, John Potter took the snap through a gapping hole up the middle for a two-point conversion. This gave WMU its first-ever lead in a bowl, 8-0.
Purdue answered with just 17 seconds remaining in the first quarter when quarterback Robert Marve threw a 1-yard touchdown pass to Reggie Pegram.
The Boilermakers pulled within one point with a PAT kick and then recovered an onside kick to end the first quarter of play.
The Boilermakers dominated time of possession in the period as the Broncos had control for only 2:10.
The second quarter belonged to Purdue as it outscored the Broncos 20-7 and outgained the Broncos 143-64.
Purdue took a 10-8 lead by knocking home a 49-yard field goal However, Carder came right back with a one-yard touchdown strike to Josh Schaffer.
BIG KICKOFF RETURN PUTS PURDUE OUT FRONT
Potter’s PAT kick put WMU out front, 15-10. It was the last Bronco lead, and it didn’t last long. Purdue's Raheem Morstert returned the ensuing kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown.
Purdue again attempted and again recovered an onside kick. That set up a scoring drive that Pegram finished with a 1-yard touchdown run.
The Boilermakers capped off the second quarter with a 19-yard field goal, adding to a Purdue lead at the half, 27-15.
The third quarter began with WMU driving the field for a 21-yard Potter field goal, and the two teams then traded touchdowns. Caleb TerBush hit Gary Bush for a 33-yard Purdue touchdown. The Broncos answered right back with a Tevin Drake 1-yard touchdown plunge.
WHITE SETS RECORDS
During the third quarter, White set two Mid-American Conference records and one WMU record. White became the MAC's all-time leader in receiving yards for a career, and also set the MAC record for receiving yards in a season. He tied the MAC record for career receptions.
White also passed Jamarko Simmons for most receiving yards by a Bronco in a bowl game. His yardage total broke Cory Alston's single-game record (263) set against Eastern Michigan in 1997.
The third quarter ended with the Broncos trailing by nine, 34-25. The deficit became an even dozen after Purdue added a 26-yard field goal.
The Broncos were able to pull within one score with 4:28 to go. Carder found Chleb Ravenell for a TD and a Potter PAT pulled the Broncos within five.
BIG STOP FOR BRONCO DEFENSE
The Broncos defense managed to force a Purdue punt, giving WMU another shot at the lead. However, Alex Carder was flushed from the pocket and took a hit which caused a fumble. Purdue's recovery ended the Broncos' final opportunity.
The Broncos outgained Purdue 485-442. Most of the Purdue's yards came on the ground (265).
Carder, meanwhile, set the WMU record for most passing yards in a single season, finishing with 3,873, moving ahead of Tim Hiller's 2008 season total of 3,725 yards.
Courtesy of Western Michigan Athletics |
