Purdue Fans React With Positives From Saturday's Loss to Notre Dame

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Purdue may not have defeated Notre Dame on Saturday, but there were still some positive takeaways from the performance in South Bend. Fans were quick to point out some of the things they liked from the Week 4 contest.
The Boilermakers fell 56-30 in South Bend on Saturday, dropping to 2-2 on the season. Purdue's defense struggled from start to finish, but the offense performed at a high level, especially in the first half.
A 26-point loss isn't what anyone had in mind on the Purdue side on Saturday, but the Boilermakers fought hard from start to finish. I asked Boilermaker Nation for some of their positive thoughts from Saturday's game in South Bend.
Purdue football fans share positive responses
I keep saying that we look like we belong out there as a D1 BIG school this year. People are in the right places, coaches know what they are doing, and overall we have had less dumb penalties. Need to stop turnovers but overall this is a step forward from the bottom last year
— Daren Bootcheck (@OTR_Bootcheck) September 21, 2025
Really like how Purdue spreads the ball around to different receivers. Been a long time since we've seen that.
— K F (@OttoDogDelta) September 21, 2025
If we could have a run defense, we’d be a mid pack B1G squad. Offense is still finding their groove, but there’s a LOT to like there.
— Zane Taylor (@ZaneTaylor33) September 21, 2025
Charles Correa is the real deal on defense. For a sophomore transfer to a P2 school there’s a LOT of promising flashes
Nitro is special.
— Steve McQueen (@VPsalesBD) September 21, 2025
Not sure why we didn't hand the ball off more to shorten the game.
Fun trick-plays show willingness to innovate, McAllister and Porath seem dialed in,
— Rightward Therapist (@coninexile) September 21, 2025
Ryan Browne is legit
— Harrison Kanning (@HarrisonKa5017) September 21, 2025
Our WR room is kinda stacked
I love Barry Odom’s play calling
They could have been demoralized early, but weren’t. They could have given up late, but didn’t. Browne is the next XXX sandwich. Offensively, they can compete.
— BoilerDad - Go Cubs! (@BoilerDadRodney) September 21, 2025
This team just looks and feels different.
Oh those trick plays we’ve missed so much!
— BoilerDZ (@nanstrez) September 21, 2025
Placekicking. Only unit that did everything asked of it.
— Mike H (@Michael_H_user) September 21, 2025
Team never quit, Browne can play, our WR’s are good - we just a getting man handled in the trenches on both sides. Most importantly, we have competent coaching and I believe Odom can build a program. More than enough optimism with the fanbase
— Christopher Young (@youngmanpurdue) September 21, 2025
Purdue's offensive numbers vs. Notre Dame
Without question, the offense received most of the praise from Saturday's game. The Boilermakers put up 379 yards of offense and totaled 20 first downs in the contest.
Quarterback Ryan Browne went 21-of-34 for 250 yards and a touchdown. He also had a receiving touchdown on a trick play in the first quarter.

Three different Boilermakers ended the game with more than 50 receiving yards. Nitro Tuggle led the way with 66 yards on three catches, and Michael Jackson III had 62 yards on four receptions. Running back Devin Mockobee caught three passes for 56 yards.
Special teams also deserved a shoutout for Saturday's performance. Kicker Spencer Porath was three-of-three on his field goal attempts, which included a long of 48 yards. Punter Jack McCallister had five punts for 226 yards, averaging 45.2 yards per kick. He was also successful on a fake punt, running for 10 yards and giving the Boilermakers a first down early in the game.
Purdue now has a week off and will host Illinois at Ross-Ade Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 4.
Related stories on Purdue football
PURDUE IN ESPN'S FPI: 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. CLICK HERE
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

Dustin Schutte is the publisher of Purdue Boilermakers on SI and has spent more than a decade working in sports journalism. His career began in 2013, when he covered Big Ten football. He remained in that role for eight years before working at On SI to cover the Boilermakers. Dustin graduated from Manchester University in Indiana in 2010, where he played for the men's tennis team.
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