Purdue Dominates Southern Illinois with Powerful Rushing Attack
Purdue University showcased a commanding performance against Southern Illinois University on September 30, 2023, securing a 34-17 victory at Ross-Ade Stadium. The Boilermakers implemented a focused strategy to establish their running game, executing a total of 53 rushing attempts throughout the match. This commitment translated into an impressive 214 rushing yards, averaging 4.0 yards per carry.
The standout player for Purdue was running back Devin Mockobee, who carried the ball 32 times, amassing 126 yards and scoring two touchdowns. Quarterback Ryan Browne contributed significantly as well, adding 50 yards on nine carries. Other notable rushers included Antonio Harris, who gained 26 yards on five carries, and Malachi Thomas, who added 14 yards from six attempts.
Strategic Shift in Game Plan
Offensive coordinator Josh Henson emphasized the importance of a robust running game in the lead-up to the match. During practice sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday, the team focused on physicality and the execution of their blocking schemes. “We wanted to try and establish the line of scrimmage with the offensive line and run the football,” Henson stated post-game. Mockobee echoed this sentiment, noting the team’s commitment to improving their ground game after a less effective outing the previous week against Ball State, where they managed only 93 rushing yards on 30 attempts.
The shift in strategy paid off, as Purdue’s offensive line provided substantial support, allowing the running backs to find gaps and gain valuable yardage. “That was definitely a big point of emphasis,” Mockobee remarked, expressing his satisfaction with the offensive line’s performance. “They were working their butts off up there.”
In their season opener against Ball State, Purdue relied more heavily on their passing game, with Browne throwing for a Big Ten-best 311 yards and two touchdowns. Against Southern Illinois, however, Browne’s passing statistics reflected a more balanced approach as he completed 170 yards and two touchdowns.
Focus on Future Success
Despite the varied offensive strategies, Purdue’s coaching staff recognizes that establishing a consistent running game is essential moving forward. “We know that we’re going to have to be a running team,” Henson noted. He added that a strong ground attack would enhance their vertical passing game, allowing for more diverse offensive plays.
The Boilermakers’ defense also adjusted after a shaky start, overcoming early challenges posed by Southern Illinois’ offense. After allowing points on the first two possessions, the Purdue defense tightened up and dominated the remainder of the game.
Purdue’s strong showing against Southern Illinois not only highlights their resilience but also sets the tone for the remainder of the season. With players like Devin Mockobee stepping up, the Boilermakers aim to solidify their identity as a formidable rushing team in upcoming matchups, making them a challenging opponent in the Big Ten conference.
