Purdue QB Ryan Browne Earns National Honor After Performance vs. Illinois
In this story:
Purdue quarterback Ryan Browne is receiving national recognition for his performance against Illinois on Saturday. He was named the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Week.
Browne, who made his first career start on Saturday, threw for 297 yards and rushed for 118 more in Purdue's 50-49 overtime loss to Illinois. He accounted for 415 total yards of offense and threw three touchdown passes, helping the Boilermakers overcome a 27-3 deficit in the third quarter.
Although it wasn't enough to get the win, Browne impressed several people on the national scale. Because of that, he's taking home the prestigious national honor.
415 yards in his first career start.
— Purdue Football (@BoilerFootball) October 15, 2024
Second Purdue QB since 1970 to pass for 250+ yards and rush for 100+ yards in a single game.@ryanbrownexv is the Shaun Alexander Freshman Player of the Week! pic.twitter.com/7NbJRDMqr5
Browne was a threat through the air and on the ground, causing problems for the Illini defense for most of the second half. It was a remarkable performance, and one that has allowed him to retain the starting job for at least one more week.
Monday, Purdue coach Ryan Walters confirmed that the freshman would be the one under center to start the game for the Boilermakers. They will host No. 2 Oregon on Friday night at Ross-Ade Stadium.
"Ryan Browne will start the game on Friday," Walters said. "I think the way he played (against Illinois), it would be unfair not to (start him)."
Browne got the start on Saturday because Hudson Card was in concussion protocol. It's unclear what Card's status will be for Friday night's game against the Ducks.
While there were some issues early, Browne certainly provided the Boilermakers with a spark offensively against Illinois. He'll need to do more of the same this week against a high-flying Oregon team.
Kickoff between Purdue and Oregon is set for 8 p.m. ET on Friday and the game will air on FOX.
Related stories on Purdue football
OPINION: RYAN BROWNE SHOULD BE STARTER: Purdue didn't win the game, but backup quarterback Ryan Browne put on an impressive performance vs. Illinois. It's time to give hm the keys to the offense. CLICK HERE
PURDUE-OREGON SPREAD RELEASED: Oregon has opened as a massive favorite heading into Friday night's game against Purdue at Ross-Ade Stadium. CLICK HERE
RYAN WALTERS EXPLAINS 2-POINT CONVERSION: After scoring a touchdown in overtime, Purdue attempted a two-point conversion in an attempt to beat Illinois. It didn't work, but Ryan Walters says it was the right choice. 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.
Follow SchutteDustin