Purdue Football Shows Promise Against Southern Illinois—But What’s Holding Them Back from Dominating?

Well, here we are again, Purdue football kicking off the season with a mix of promise and puzzles. The Boilermakers didn’t just sneak past Southern Illinois—they roared, turning a shaky start into a solid 34-17 win, carving out a neat 2-0 season opener. Their defense stumbled at first, but the grit kicked in, and with some strategic adjustments, they took control, showing flashes of what could be a real contender if they keep sharpening their game. Now, the real question hangs thick in the air—how much better can this squad get before the Big Ten gauntlet really begins? This write-up peels back the layers, grading performances that had their ups and downs—good enough to get past a robust FCS team, but still a long haul from Big Ten dominance. So buckle up, folks—this isn’t just about a win; it’s about the road ahead and whether Purdue can turn these early sparks into a blazing trail. LEARN MORE

• The Boilermakers started 2-0 despite a slow start defensively. Here’s our insider report card.

WEST LAFAYETTE — Purdue football‘s locker room erupted with a roar soon after a 34-17 victory over Southern Illinois.

After facing its first deficits of the season in the first quarter, the Boilermakers took control en route to a 2-0 start. How much more they improve from here will determine their chances of increasing that win total.

Grades from a performance good enough to beat a solid FCS program, but only a stepping stone toward what Purdue must be to win in the Big Ten.

Purdue football’s passing offense clicked when it counted

Only 23 attempts, which is a testament to how extensively the team leaned on the running game to maintain control. Quarterback Ryan Browne keeps cashing in through the air in the red zone, and those two early touchdown passes were critical to the final result. Blame for the interception is debatable, but it certainly didn’t happen because of a deft defensive play. This team had to get George Burhenn going for what he means to the offense long-term — and did. 

Stats: 60.8% completions, 7.3 yards per attempt, one turnover; Ryan Browne 14-23, 170 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, 0 sacks taken

Grade: C+

Purdue football turned the game over to its workhorse, Devin Mockobee

The rushing attach had to be better after Week 1, and needs to be better still to grind through a Big Ten schedule. But when the defense started making stops, Purdue could put this game in Devin Mockobee’s hands and let him carry them toward victory. That also meant putting the game on the legs and backs of an offensive line which also needed a step forward. It’s a method they’ll need to win more games later. 

Stats: 4.05 yards per carry, five explosive runs (10-plus yards), 0 fumbles lost; Devin Mockobee 32 carries, 126 yards, 2 TDs

Grade: B

Purdue football pass defense victimized early, victorious late

Those first two possessions were rough. Quarterback DJ Williams marched the Salukis down the field, converting a pair of third-and-longs on the first drive and hitting a huge 63-yard gain up the sideline on the second. Purdue looked very vulnerable outside — which had to give fans queasy recollections of 2024 — and made other miscues to let SIU receivers roam free over the middle. But, the Boilermakers made adjustments and fixed the problem. After allowing three explosive plays in the air on the first two series, they allowed none the rest of the way. They also sacked Williams three times.

Stats: 60.6% passing, 6.1 yards per attempt, 0 takeaways, 3 sacks; DJ Williams 20-33, 202 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT

Grade: B-

Purdue run defense closed off Week 1’s leaky valve

The threat of Williams as a runner caused Purdue more problems in pass defense than Williams did as a runner. SIU managed only two runs of 10-plus yards. One team Saturday night could methodically drive for points, and the other simply could not. The Salukis converted only 1 of 4 tries on third and short, and faced an averaged yards-to-go of 7.8 on third down. Charles Correa, Mani Powell and the defensive line rotation held down the front.

Stats: 3.1 yards per carry, 2 explosive runs, 0 fumbles lost; DJ Williams sack-adjusted 3.2 yards per carry

Grade: A

Purdue football special teams waiting for chance to make pivotal difference

One of Week 1’s most impressive performers — punter Jack McCallister — never took the field. We did finally get to see some of Michael Jackson III‘s wiggle as a punt returner. Could not tell if Spencer Porath called his doink on the 37-yard field goal which deflected in. It could have been a momentum-changer had it bounced the other way. Instead, it put Purdue up by two touchdowns.

Grade: A

Purdue football coaches made adjustments to avoid disaster

This did not look like a team prepared to defend SIU’s personnel from the start. The Salukis didn’t have to show much to crush a Division II team in Week 1, so maybe that was a factor. Regardless, after two ugly defensive possessions, the Purdue plan kicked in and controlled the rest of the game. Going for it on fourth down midway through the third only led to a field goal, but that conversion looms as a crucial play. The early adversity wasn’t positive, but the team’s response was, and coaching shares some credit and blame for both.

Grade: B-

Purdue football play of the game vs. Southern Illinois

Smiley Bradford tackled Williams for a 1-yard loss on fourth-and-2 at the Purdue 45 midway through the second quarter. The defense finally had momentum, and soon after Purdue had a lead it did not relinquish.

Purdue football player of the game vs. Southern Illinois

Mockobee set a career high for carries and added a couple of receptions for 21 more yards.

What’s next for Purdue football?

USC comes to Ross-Ade Stadium on Saturday to — and man this still sounds weird — begin Big Ten Conference play. The competition makes a significant jump, and so must Purdue’s performance.

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