ESPN FPI After Week 4 — Purdue on the Rise Despite 56-30 Loss to Notre Dame

Purdue's game against Notre Dame didn't go according to plan, but the Boilermakers have actually moved up in ESPN's Football Power Index (FPI) rankings.

Purdue Boilermakers running back Devin Mockobee (45) jumps to avoid a tackle | Michael Caterina-Imagn Images

It may be hard to believe after a 56-30 loss to Notre Dame on Saturday, but Purdue is actually on the rise in the latest Football Power Index (FPI) from ESPN. The Boilermakers actually moved up four spots, despite falling to 2-2 after this weekend's trip to South Bend.

Last week, Purdue was ranked No. 79 in ESPN's FPI, one of the lowest teams in the Big Ten. This week, the Boilermakers jumped up to No. 75. They are now ahead of two league foes: Northwestern (No. 78) and UCLA (No. 93).

Although the final score wasn't pretty, Purdue's offense performed at a high level in the first half against the Fighting Irish. The Boilermakers were within two scores at halftime, trailing 35-23. Then, Notre Dame took over.

Obviously, Purdue's main objective on Saturday was to beat Notre Dame and pick up its first win in the rivalry series since 2007. That didn't happen, but there were some positives from the game, especially with the way the offense performed.

Purdue now heads into a bye week and will host Illinois on Saturday, Oct. 4 at Ross-Ade Stadium.

Big Ten in ESPN's FPI after Week 4

Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Elijah Sarratt (13) and quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) | Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

ESPN's FPI ranks every team that participates at the FBS level. Here's where all 18 Big Ten programs stand after Week 4 action.

• No. 1: Oregon Ducks (4-0)
• No. 2: Ohio State Buckeyes (3-0)
• No. 6: Indiana Hoosiers (4-0)
• No. 7: USC Trojans (4-0)
• No. 10: Penn State Nittany Lions (3-0)
• No. 12: Michigan Wolverines (3-1)
• No. 21: Nebraska Cornhuskers (3-1)
• No. 24: Washington Huskies (3-0)
• No. 31: Iowa Hawkeyes (3-1)
• No. 37: Illinois Fighting Illini (3-1)
• No. 48: Maryland Terrapins (4-0)
• No. 50: Rutgers Scarlet Knights (3-1)
• No. 55: Wisconsin Badgers (2-2)
• No. 59: Minnesota Golden Gophers (2-1)
• No. 67: Michigan State Spartans (3-1)
• No. 75: Purdue Boilermakers (2-2)
• No. 78: Northwestern Wildcats (1-2)
• No. 93: UCLA Bruins (0-3)

Related stories on Purdue football

WHAT ODOM SAID ABOUT PURDUE'S DEFENSE: Purdue's defense struggled against an explosive Notre Dame offense on Saturday. The Boilermakers gave up 535 yards in a 56-30 loss to the Fighting Irish. CLICK HERE

LINDSEY OUT FOR SEASON: Purdue coach Barry Odom provided an unfortunate injury update on starting defensive tackle TJ Lindsey following Saturday's 56-30 loss to Notre Dame. CLICK HERE

PURDUE'S TRICK PLAY TOUCHDOWN: The Boilermakers pulled out a trick play in South Bend to score their first touchdown of the game. Purdue's play call fooled everyone on Notre Dame's defense. CLICK HERE