10 Observations Ball State-Purdue

This is what has us talking after Purdue’s season opening 31-0 victory vs. Ball State on Saturday inside Ross-Ade Stadium.

1 – Mission: Accomplished. Purdue got the win. And it checked a lot of boxes in doing so, as it snuffed out an 11-game losing streak that was the second longest in the nation. Purdue got to play a lot of players, notching 433 yards and allowing only 203.

It was a bonus that Purdue looked good doing it in a game that Barry Odom had to win. Yes, HAD to win. Purdue is likely staring at a 2-0 start with FCS Southern Illinois coming to West Lafayette for a prime time affair next week.

Odom was given a game ball from AD Mike Bobinski, which Odom took to the post-game presser.

“Very thankful for him and his leadership,” said Odom. “And he’s provided a platform and a culture of success, and he’s helped us every step of the way.”

2 – Purdue shot out of the gates, scoring TDs on each of their first two possessions. Heck, it took only three plays for the Boiler offense to hit pay dirt in 2025, with Arhmad Branch breaking two tackles and finishing with a nifty spin move on a 49-yard TD grab from Ryan Browne.

“The way that our kids started, really offensively, defensively, just about how we had it scripted,” said Odom. “And we’re hoping to get an opportunity for our playmakers to go do some things early. And they did.”

3 – Speaking of Browne, he excelled on this warm mid-North Indiana afternoon. Purdue OC Josh Henson came out throwing the ball. And Browne showed on many occasions he has a deft touch. His ability to buy time with his legs is valuable, too.

Browne hit 18-of-26 passes for 311 yards with two TDs and no turnovers, which was big. His job was done in the fourth quarter, allowing Malachi Singleton to play.

4 – With De’Nylon Morrissette out, Purdue needed some wideouts to step up. And Branch and Michael Jackson delivered. Branch had over 100 yards receiving in the first quarter, the first Purdue wideout to eclipse 100 yards receiving since Abdur-Rahmaan Yaseen in 2023 vs. Syracuse.

Branch finished with three catches for 101 and a TD. Jackson had a team-high six grabs for 72 yards and a TD.

“I knew of Armand before I got here through the recruiting process, he was a 7-2 high jumper in high school (Festus, Mo., about 30 miles south of St. Louis),” said Odom. “Got electric skills. I think he had one touch last year, so I knew he had ability. OK, let’s try to get him in position that it shows up consistently on the field. So, I was certainly excited that he decided to stay.”

5 – Purdue played a lot of players, which was the goal of the staff. Depth was needed on a warm day like this. At points, the Boilers rotated in an entirely different d-line. There also were regular substitutions in the back half of the defense.

“I think, number one, we looked at who was game ready, and then were they game ready?” said Odom. “OK, yes. Were they in a position that we felt like they were going to be able to execute the game plan and play winning football? And if you have those two things that match up, then let’s find a way rotationally to get them in the game.”

6 – We saw a swarming defense that was very aggressive. DC Mike Scherer is not afraid to bring the heat with blitzes from the secondary. And Purdue often got after the Ball State passer (four sacks, seven TFLs).

The D showed its resiliency when Ball State methodically marched down field with a second half opening drive that ate up almost eight minutes and resulted in a clanked field-goal attempt from 45 yards. The defense buckled but never broke.

7 – Discipline was one of many issues last season–even dating to the Jeff Brohm era. Today, Purdue kept things buttoned up. There were only three penalties (one in the first half) and no turnovers.

8 – We had a George Burhenn sighting. Wasn’t sure if he was gonna play, as he has been handled with care coming off a spring ankle injury in what has been an injury-mared career. Much to his chagrin, he dropped a pass early on what would have been a big-gainer. Still, good to see No. 81 is ready to go. Purdue will need him.

9 – Purdue pitched a shutout, its first vs. a FBS foe since the Boilers blanked UConn 49-0 in 2021. Of course, Purdue shutout FCS Indiana State, 49-0, in last year’s opener. Today’s shutout was helped by two missed Ball State field goals, from 45 and 29 yards.

“I’m excited that we held them out of the end zone,” said Odom, “and they missed a couple kicks, which was great. We didn’t force any turnovers, which we’ve got to do. Tackling was average, at best. I thought we tackled well early, and then we didn’t tackle very well throughout the course of the game. Third down efficiency, I’ve got to look at it and study a little bit on the reasons where we came up there.

“But in the world of college football today, it doesn’t matter who you’re playing. It’s hard to shut somebody out. And we’ll build on that.”

10 – We knew special teams were a priority for this staff. And, it showed today with good coverage.

The kickoffs by Seth Turner were strong and punter Jack McCallister was outstanding. Spencer Porath even nailed a 28-yard field goal. Just no pop in the return game. Give it time.