Purdue Sports
Purdue kept its early-season momentum rolling with a 34–17 win over Southern Illinois at Ross-Ade Stadium. The Boilermakers shook off a slow first quarter, leaned on their ground game, and pulled away behind timely defensive stops. Here’s whose stock rose — and whose fell.
📈 Stock Up
Devin Mockobee, RB
Mockobee was the workhorse, carrying the ball 32 times for 126 yards and two touchdowns. He consistently moved the chains and helped Purdue control the clock (36:46 time of possession). His physicality in short-yardage sealed the game.
CJ Nunnally, DL
Nunnally’s impact was felt up front, registering two sacks and repeatedly collapsing the pocket. His disruption forced Southern Illinois into long downs and helped Purdue win the line of scrimmage after the first quarter.
Ryan Browne, QB
Though not perfect, Browne showed poise, throwing for 170 yards and two touchdowns, including strikes to Arhmad Branch and Nitro Tuggle. He also added 50 yards on the ground, giving Purdue balance offensively.
📉 Stock Down
Pass Defense in Explosive Plays
Southern Illinois connected on a 63-yard pass in the first quarter and had multiple chunk plays through the air. While the secondary tightened as the game progressed, early lapses could haunt Purdue against more explosive Big Ten opponents.
Short-Yardage Efficiency
Despite converting 9-of-14 third downs, Purdue had several runs stuffed near the line of scrimmage. Mockobee’s overall numbers were strong, but too many plays were bottled up for little to no gain, especially when defenses keyed on the run.
Red Zone Finishing (Late Drives)
The Boilermakers went 4-of-5 in the red zone, but stalled on a late fourth-quarter drive at the SIU 16. Against tougher competition, missed chances like that could swing outcomes.
➡️ Holding Steady
Spencer Porath, K
Porath was steady, going 2-for-2 on field goals (25 and 43 yards) and perfect on extra points. After inconsistency plagued Purdue kicking last season, his reliability is becoming a quiet weapon.
Looking Ahead
The win over Southern Illinois highlighted Purdue’s depth at running back and improving defensive front, but also exposed lingering questions in pass coverage and short-yardage execution. How these players trend will be crucial as Purdue prepares for USC.
About the Author
Dalton Tinklenberg is the Founder and Media Director of The Scouting Depot, where he leads comprehensive coverage of college and professional football. He is an active member of some of the most respected organizations in sports journalism, including the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA), Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA), Maxwell Football Club, Online News Association (ONA), National Football Foundation (NFF), and the Associated Press Sports Editors (APSE).
Before launching The Scouting Depot, Dalton worked with Blue HQ Media, where he covered major sporting events such as the Indianapolis 500, the College Football Playoff, and the Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
Through his professional affiliations and on-the-ground experience, Dalton combines deep knowledge of the game with recognized standards of storytelling, editorial excellence, and authenticity in sports coverage.
