Purdue Game
This particular game was a last minute schedule re-arrangement as we wanted to see Ohio State play a road game. Our initial schedule had us traveling to West Lafayette to see Purdue playing Notre Dame. After watching the Purdue/Notre Dame game on television early in the season, we were somewhat disappointed that we chose to switch games. Well, a few weeks later, we found that we were pretty darn content with our decision.
The pre-game ceremonies included some large flags and what they call a "flyover." This may have been the first "flyover" we've witnessed, but then again, we're rarely in our seats on time (those tailgates are darn fun).
The pre-game ceremonies included some large flags and what they call a "flyover." This may have been the first "flyover" we've witnessed, but then again, we're rarely in our seats on time (those tailgates are darn fun).
The first thing we noticed upon taking our seats was A LOT of red! It seemed that the Ohio State fans had made the trip to their neighboring state and occupied about 1/4 of the crowd. It was kind of difficult to think you were at Purdue when you looked towards the opposite endzone and saw no sign of Boilermaker colors.
To date, we had not experienced a school that allowed fans to return to their tailgate during halftime. When I heard this, I thought to myself, "Wow, Purdue is one of the few schools that actually does not treat their fans/students like a bunch of 5-year-olds and really lets everyone hold themselves accountable for their own actions."
One of the things you must see at Ross-Ade Stadium is the Boilermaker statue. Per the Purdue website, this guy is 18 feet and 5,400 pounds. It has to be one of the most noteworthy bronze statues in America. Heck, on this day they even threw a jersey on him.
If you enjoy Big Ten football, then by now you know what happened in this game. The first half started out very slow. You kept waiting for the moment that Ohio State was going to break it open. As halftime creeped nearer and nearer, nearly everyone was surprised to see the Boilermakers down 7-6. Then a whopping 55 yard field goal by Carson Wiggs put Purdue up at halftime 9-7.
I'm not exactly sure what coach Danny Hope said at halftime, but the Boilermakers came out fighting and controlled the 3rd quarter. Joey Elliott connected with Aaron Valentin on two touchdown passes and Purdue jumped out to a big 23-7 lead.
It looked like Ohio State was going to fail to complete another opportunity to score when Terrelle Pryor heaved a pass (that probably should have been intercepted) to DeVier Posey, who ran a few more yards for the TD. Pryor then rather easily completed the 2-point conversion and most figured that this was the end of the "cinderella story" and that Ohio State was about to come storming back.
After a rather ineffective series by Purdue, Ohio State got the ball back. They quickly moved it into Purdue territory & everyone began to fear another TD/2-point conversion scenario. OSU got 5 more yards, but that would be it after a sack (10 yard loss) by Ryan Kerrigan & an incomplete pass by Pryor. Purdue ball!
Ohio State's Doug Worthington was flagged for a facemask on a 3rd and 9 play, allowing Purdue to run out the clock and the pandemonium began as Purdue pulled off the upset 26-18!
I'm not exactly sure what coach Danny Hope said at halftime, but the Boilermakers came out fighting and controlled the 3rd quarter. Joey Elliott connected with Aaron Valentin on two touchdown passes and Purdue jumped out to a big 23-7 lead.
It looked like Ohio State was going to fail to complete another opportunity to score when Terrelle Pryor heaved a pass (that probably should have been intercepted) to DeVier Posey, who ran a few more yards for the TD. Pryor then rather easily completed the 2-point conversion and most figured that this was the end of the "cinderella story" and that Ohio State was about to come storming back.
After a rather ineffective series by Purdue, Ohio State got the ball back. They quickly moved it into Purdue territory & everyone began to fear another TD/2-point conversion scenario. OSU got 5 more yards, but that would be it after a sack (10 yard loss) by Ryan Kerrigan & an incomplete pass by Pryor. Purdue ball!
Ohio State's Doug Worthington was flagged for a facemask on a 3rd and 9 play, allowing Purdue to run out the clock and the pandemonium began as Purdue pulled off the upset 26-18!
The Neon Guys
One of the traditions of every Purdue game occurs between the 3rd and 4th quarters. Leading the tradition is typically someone from the University who has gone on to achieve professional success. I understand that the likes of Neil Armstrong and Drew Brees had lead the song in the past. While we've heard "Shout" elsewhere on the tour, this was clearly the most memorable one. If one of the Purdue fans can tell me who led the "Shout" song on 10/17/09, I'll post a thank you with your name here.
Thank you for all of your submissions - apparently the leaders of the "Shout" song were the "Compliment Guys." One of the readers submitted this story about them. So thanks to Chris Anderson, Jenna M, Kevin Thompson, Rich Cruz, Brad, Rob Neumeyer, Alec Pack, Jeff Demerly, and Brandon Graves for writing in to me with that answer!
Thank you for all of your submissions - apparently the leaders of the "Shout" song were the "Compliment Guys." One of the readers submitted this story about them. So thanks to Chris Anderson, Jenna M, Kevin Thompson, Rich Cruz, Brad, Rob Neumeyer, Alec Pack, Jeff Demerly, and Brandon Graves for writing in to me with that answer!
Chicken celebrates on Jeff's shoulders
Against my better judgement to show this video of me screaming like a little girl, you can view the video of us charging the field below. The 20 minutes that followed were 20 of the absolute most-fun of the Big Ten Tour & certainly a moment of life that will never be forgotten.
Helmets in the air!
Albert Evans holds the giant 'P'
Notice the Police next to us on the 50!
Stadium #7 of 11 Complete!
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