Author: Aryan Virani
We were in the Dome to see Syracuse Orange hosted the Purdue Boilermakers in an absolute thrilling game. The Orange came through with the victory after a last second miracle touchdown pass. Let's break down this game.
The game started off pretty slow. The first points were on a 50 yard field goal by Syracuse kicker Andre Szmyt. The Purdue offense was unable to get anything going until a sold 15 yard touchdown run by running back Devin Mockobee got them on the board and capped off a 10 play 65 yard drive. Following the touchdown, Purdue would get a stop and kick a field goal to go up 9-3. The Orange would go back on offense looking to cut into the deficit but would miss the 40 yard field goal. Both offenses couldnt score anymore and Purdue would go into the half up 9-3.
Both offenses struggled in the first half, and they carried this over for almost all of the third quarter. Junior quarterback Garrett Shrader knew he had to get hot if he wanted to lead his team to a win. He did exactly that with a 15 play 84 yard touchdown drive. Shrader wasn’t trying to do too much which is why his great poise in the red zone allowed the Orange to take the lead. Shrader would hit big 6’4 sophomore Isaiah Jones for a 3 yard touchdown pass.
And who would’ve thought after how both offenses were unable to get going, Purdue follows that touchdown with one of their own, an 11 yard pass to Payne Durham from Senior Aidan O’Connell to finish off a 11 play 75 yard drive. The Boilermakers were unable to get the 2 point conversation after a great defensive effort, to keep the game at 15-10 Purdue. On the ensuing possession the Orange would quickly score on a 46 yard catch and run from Shrader to Oronde Gadsden I. It was a drag route on a key 4th and 1 conversion which they scored on. Shrader would then run in a 2 point conversion to go up 18-15. On the very next play from scrimmage Aidan O’Connell would have his pass INTERCEPTED FOR A PICK 6 by defensive linemen Caleb Okechukwu for a big big man score. This interception had the JMA Wireless Dome erupt with cheers and Syracuse had huge momentum.
Purdue and Aidan O’Connell would take that pick 6 seriously and turn the momentum around. A 55 yard strike into the hands of O’Connell’s go to receiver Charlie Jones would make it a 3 point game. The Purdue Defense would help the offense out and would get a quick 3 and out to give O’Connell a chance to tie it or take the lead. A few plays into the drive, Charlie Jones would make another crazy play, this time for 51 yards and the Boilermakers were in striking territory again. The Orange defense would make a stop after the gain by Jones. Purdue went for the 41 yard field goal to tie the game, but the kick was no good. This time the Purdue defense would get a 3 and out and all of a sudden O’Connell and the offense were getting after it again. Driving down the field with under 2 minutes left Purdue would find themselves inside the redzone. O’Connell would throw for his 3rd touchdown pass, this time to Payne Durham for a 12 yard connection and the Boilermakers were up 29-25 with 56 seconds left. On the extra point, Purdue would give up 2 unsportsmanlike conduct penalties, and would find themselves kicking off from the 10 yard line. Syracuse would start their drive from the 50 yard line with 50 seconds left. The Purdue defense was doing a great job until 2 3rd down pass penalties would move the sticks for Syracuse. Following the 2nd flag, Garrett Shrader would find Gadsden again on a 25 yard throw while being hit with only 25 seconds left. The Purdue offense had 1 last play but the Syracuse defense would finish it with a 32-29 victory.
The Orange playing at home, had their stands packed with orange and came away with a huge win to make them 3-0. They are currently 5-0 and Host NC State after this upcoming bye week. Purdue hosts Maryland in Big 10 action this Saturday, hopes are still high for the Boilermakers after a rough start to the season.