WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) — David Blough threw for 300 yards and two touchdowns, Markell Jones had a go-ahead score in the third quarter and Purdue rallied past Nevada 24-14 on Saturday.
Purdue, which turned it over four times, pulled within 14-10 late in the second quarter on Blough's 48-yard touchdown pass to Bilal Marshall. Purdue's defense dominated the third, limiting Nevada to 23 yards on 11 plays.
Jones' 5-yard TD run capped a 12-play, 49-yard drive and the Boilermakers (2-1) added a TD with 1:17 remaining in the fourth on Blough's 51-yard pass to Brycen Hopkins. Jones finished with 124 yards for his third career 100-yard game.
Tyler Stewart threw touchdown passes of 15 yards to Hasaan Henderson and 6 yards to James Butler for Nevada (2-2). The Wolf Pack converted a Blough interception and a Jones fumble into first-half touchdowns for a 14-3 lead.
The Wolf Pack had an opportunity to pull even at 17 with 4:16 remaining in the fourth, but Brent Zuzo hooked a 27-yard field-goal attempt wide left, and Blough iced it.
TAKEAWAYS:
PURDUE: The Boilermakers were sloppy offensively throughout the game, but their defense pressured Stewart throughout the day and did not allow a point during the game's final 35:56.
NEVADA: The Wolf Pack came in featuring a strong rushing attack, averaging 208.3 yards a game, but had only 90 at halftime and lost 4 yards rushing during the third quarter when all the momentum shifted to Purdue.
UP NEXT:
PURDUE: The Boilermakers begin Big Ten play at Maryland on Oct. 1.
NEVADA: The Wolf Pack start Mountain West competition at Hawaii on Oct. 1.
