Purdue overpowers Ohio 44-21

[September 09, 2017]  Tario Fuller made the most of his first collegiate start, rushing 16 times for 142 yards and a touchdown to help Purdue cruise past Ohio 44-21 on Friday night.

An exuberant home crowd of 45,633 gathered for the first Friday night game in Ross Ade Stadium history and was not disappointed as first-year head coach Jeff Brohm picked up his first win in his inaugural home opener.

Purdue athletics reported that more than 13,000 of those tickets were sold after the Boilermakers' 35-28 loss to No. 16 Louisville last Saturday in Lucas Oil Stadium.

David Blough was 11 of 13 for 235 yards and three touchdowns with a quarterback rating of 312.6.

Fuller also led Purdue in rushing against Louisville after junior Markell Jones' knee injury on a punt return early in the game. Fuller rushed eight times for 29 yards.

Purdue (1-1) opened the flood gates midway through the second quarter after taking a 24-7 lead on a fake double reverse flea flicker that baffled the Bobcats' defense, leaving tight end Cold Herman wide open downfield for a 62-yard touchdown reception, the first of his career.

Herdman also extended his reception streak to 19 consecutive games.

Ohio (1-1) fumbled on the ensuing possession, setting up a 22-yard field goal by Purdue's Spencer Evans.

Purdue Boilermakers quarterback Elijah Sindelar (2) throws a pass against the Ohio Bobcats at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Another fumble -- this one on the Bobcats' 31-yard line with 21 seconds remaining in the half -- set up a 31-yard touchdown pass from Blough to Anthony Mahoungou, giving the Boilermakers a 34-7 lead at halftime. Mahoungou finished with two catches for 51 yards and a touchdown.

Despite the early deficit, Ohio never quit, amassing nearly 60 percent of its offensive production in the second half.

AJ Ouelette and Julian Ross combined for 20 carries and 93 yards as well as two touchdowns. Nathan Rourke completed 16 of 23 passes for 224 yards and a touchdown.

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