The Hoosiers picked up a much needed win at Purdue on Saturday afternoon 34-31 but it took an overtime period. Mitch Ewald kicked two field goals (26, 31) including the game winner to push IU past their rivals. IU finished the season on a positive note with the win, improving to 5-7, 1-7 in conference play.
Indiana played a very solid game but was hampered by poor field position following a couple Boiler punts. Senior wide-out Terrance Turner also muffed a punt return and fumbled following a reception.
Quarterback Ben Chappell broke the Indiana single-season record for passing yards, previously set by Kellen Lewis. But it was junior receiver Tandon Doss that stood out above the rest.
In all crucial situations, Chappell sought out his best receiver in Doss who finished the game with eight receptions for 64 yards and three touchdowns.
The Hoosiers sealed the deal in overtime led by IU linebacker Jeff Thomas who picked off Rob Henry’s pass. Indiana converted on their first couple of plays and then opted to have Ewald kick a 31 yard field goal for the victory.
Indiana was ecstatic with the road victory, right fully so.
IU won their first Big Ten game of the season, and just third in three seasons. It also marked the first time Indiana had won in West Lafayette since 1996.
The win may or may not play a factor in athletic director Fred Glass’s decision in whether to retain head coach Bill Lynch. He will take a look at Lynch’s three seasons as head coach and decide if significant progress was made.
Lynch has one more year left on his four year deal worth $650,000. I don’t want to get into this issue any further, but I will say I think it’s very important that Glass takes a firm look at the progress of the program and where he wants it to go.
It is a basketball school but there’s no reason the football program can compete and play in bowl games.
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To make the day even better for IU fans, Purdue’s basketball team lost Saturday to Richmond 65-54. The Boilers lost their first game of the season snapping their 23 straight non-conference win streak.
Butler lost to Evansville at home 71-68. It’s the Bulldogs first home loss after 17 straight wins.