Glenn Coleman
Sep 02, 2023 - 10:50

Key observations in Purdue football's loss to Fresno State

Purdue football suffers a last-minute loss to Fresno State in head coach Ryan Walters' debut. Defense struggles with breakdowns.

The first game of Ryan Walters' coaching tenure at Purdue ended on a disappointing note. Despite taking the lead with 4:36 remaining, Purdue football ultimately fell to Fresno State with a last-minute touchdown by Erik Brooks. The final score was 39-35 in favor of the Bulldogs at Ross-Ade Stadium.

While it's not unexpected for a team in their first game, especially under new coaching staff, there is still much work to be done for Purdue.

Although Purdue had some big plays that made the game seem closer than it actually was, Fresno State proved to be the superior team as the game progressed.

Fresno State managed to score a total of 10 points in the final minute of both halves, ultimately winning by just four points. Their 52-yard field goal at the end of the first half provided a boost of positivity, despite trailing 21-17 after Purdue's quick three-and-out following a missed Fresno field goal.

Moving on to the positives for Purdue, their return game showed promise. TJ Sheffield's 29-yard punt return set up a 17-yard touchdown drive, while Tyrone Tracy's 98-yard kickoff return touchdown at the start of the second half provided a much-needed boost after a rough end to the first half.

Deion Burks emerged as a game-changing player, showcasing his speed and skills with four receptions for 152 yards and two touchdowns. He proved to be the fastest player on Purdue's roster and made a significant impact in the first game.

However, the defense, particularly the secondary, has some work to do. There were too many breakdowns that allowed Fresno State to score easy touchdowns. The Bulldogs found success with passing plays of 29, 18, and 22 yards, as well as an 8-yard touchdown pass where the receiver was wide open.

In conclusion, while there were some positives for Purdue in their first game under Ryan Walters, there is still much room for improvement. The team must address their defensive issues, particularly in the secondary, while continuing to build on the strengths they showcased in the return game and with players like Deion Burks.