Boilermakers Country

Purdue Fans Vent Frustration Following 19-0 Loss to Northwestern

Purdue fans weren't too pleased with the team's performance in Evanston on Saturday. Many took to social media to vent their frustrations.
Dustin Schutte|
Northwestern Wildcats running back Joseph Himon II (6) runs the ball
Northwestern Wildcats running back Joseph Himon II (6) runs the ball | David Banks-Imagn Images

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Purdue Boilermakers

For most of the year, Purdue has looked like a team that has made dramatic improvement from one year ago. On Saturday, though, it felt like the Boilermakers took a major step back in a 19-0 loss to Northwestern. Needless to say, fans were not happy with the performance.

The offense failed to move the football, and turnover issues continued. The defense made some stops throughout the game, but also allowed Northwestern's offense to pile up more than 230 rushing yards. It was a disappointing performance for a team that has been competitive in nearly every game this season.

Following the 19-0 loss, many Purdue fans vented their frustrations with posts on social media. Here are just a few of the frustrated responses after the game in Evanston.

Purdue fans respond to 19-0 loss

Purdue suffers first shutout by Northwestern in 70 years

It's been incredibly rare for Purdue to suffer a shutout loss to Northwestern. The last time it happened? 1956. The Boilermakers hadn't been shutout by the Wildcats in 55 games until Saturday afternoon.

Purdue's offense struggled from the start, ending the first half with just 57 yards of offense compared to 60 penalty yards. The Boilermakers totaled just two first downs and had the ball for fewer than eight minutes in the half, as well.

The defense played well at times, but Northwestern had little trouble running the football. The Wildcats racked up 232 yards on the ground, beating Purdue at the line of scrimmage most of the afternoon.

What's next for Purdue?

Purdue Boilermakers linebacker Alex Sanford (10) recovers a fumble
Purdue Boilermakers linebacker Alex Sanford (10) recovers a fumble | David Banks-Imagn Images

With Purdue's loss to Northwestern on Saturday, it now falls to 2-5 on the year and is 0-4 in Big Ten play. The Boilermakers have lost 13 consecutive conference games.

Next week, Purdue returns to Ross-Ade Stadium for a Homecoming date with Rutgers. It might be the best chance to get a win for the remainder of the 2025 season.

After a matchup with Rutgers on Oct. 25, Purdue will play Michigan, No. 1 Ohio State, Washington, and No. 2 Indiana. It's one of the most difficult four-game stretches in college football this season.

Saturday's game against Northwestern felt like a must-win situation for Barry Odom and the Boilermakers. especially if it wanted to gain some momentum as November approaches. The loss just places a heavier emphasis on next week's Homecoming contest against the Scarlet Knights.

Related stories on Purdue football

  • PURDUE LOSES 19-0 TO NORTHWESTERN: From the opening kickoff, Purdue looked outmatched and unprepared for Northwestern. The Boilermakers have now lost 13 straight Big Ten football games. CLICK HERE
  • PURDUE'S AWFUL FIRST HALF: Purdue's first half against Northwestern was about as bad as it gets. The Boilermakers were outplayed by the Wildcats in every facet. CLICK HERE
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Dustin Schutte
DUSTIN SCHUTTE

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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