Live Game Thread & Updates For Purdue vs. Penn State in Week 9

Follow along with Purdue Boilermakers On SI as we provide live updates of the Purdue-Penn State game throughout the afternoon.

Purdue Boilermakers defensive backs Hudauri Hines (4) and John Slaughter (13). | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Saturday's game between Purdue and Penn State may not be the marquee matchup in college football, but it's an important game for both programs as October comes to a close.

The Boilermakers are heading into the Halloween clash looking to add a victory to its trick-or-treat bucket to get back to .500 on the season. It would also give the program momentum heading into the final month of the season.

Penn State is trying to get its first Big Ten victory under head coach Matt Campbell. This season hasn't gone as the Nittany Lions have planned, so a victory would provide this team with some confidence.

Purdue Boilermakers On SI will be provided updates, news, analysis and highlights throughout the game. You can update this page regularly for the latest happenings from State College.

Purdue Boilermakers head coach Barry Odom. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Purdue vs. Penn State live game blog

1st quarter

5:13 — Penn State 7, Purdue 0. Matt Campbell's gamble pays off and Penn State scores a touchdown on a 4-yard strike from Rocco Becht to Andrew Rappleyea. That was a 12-play, 96-yard drive that chewed up 6:06. A tough start for the Boilermaker defense.

6:09 — Purdue's defense forced Penn State into a 4th down and the Nittany Lions sent out the field goal unit. A brilliant fake field goal resulted in a 1st down, though. That was a really well-designed play and it keeps Rocco Becht and the PSU offense on the field.

8:26 — Carson Hansen with a long 42-yard run for the Nittany Lions. It's the first time this season that a Penn State running back has carried the ball for 10-plus yards against a Big Ten foe in 2026. The Nittany Lions are threatening early.

11:19 — The Penn State defense holds and Purdue is forced to punt. Dylan Drennan's punt travels 41 yards and pins the Nittany Lions at their 4-yard line. Not the best start for the Boilermaker offense, but they win the field position battle early.

13:13 — Purdue catches a huge break. Penn State got a 3rd-down stop, but the defender wouldn't let go and threw down Fame Ijeboi well after the whistle blew. The penalty gives the Boilermakers a first down in Nittany Lions territory.

14:24 — Running back Fame Ijeboi had a nice eight-yard run to open the game, but Purdue has its first blunder with a false start. A 2nd-and-2 turns into 2nd-and-7 very quickly.

15:00 — Purdue will get the opening kickoff and the offense will take the field first for the Boilermakers.

Pregame

• Purdue will be without defensive back Jaden Mangham and wide receiver De'Nylon Morrissette. Penn State has 14 players listed as out for today's game, which includes its top two receivers Chase Sowell and Koby Howard.

Purdue vs. Penn State is scheduled for a 4:15 p.m. ET kickoff. The game will air on Big Ten Network.

What's at stake

Penn State Nittany Lions head coach Matt Campbell. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Purdue Boilermakers

Purdue was on a roller coaster in the first half of the season, and sits 2-2 in Big Ten play. With a win, the Boilers would be 3-2 in the conference and 4-4 on the year. Bowl eligibility would be back in the discussion for Barry Odom's squad.

Happy Valley has also been a place where Purdue hasn't won much. The Boilers have only one victory in State College and Penn State leads the all-time series 17-3-1. Even though this isn't a Nittany Lions team many of us expected to see, this would be a signature win for Odom.

Penn State Nittany Lions

Campbell has struggled in his first season in State College, especially on the offensive side. Penn State cruised to a 3-0 record with an easy non-conference slate, but has let several conference games slip through its fingers.

A win over Purdue certainly doesn't fix all of the issues for Penn State, but it might allow the Nittany Lions to generate some confidence and momentum entering the final month of the season.

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