Let’s see what Ryan Browne can do for Purdue

Ryan Browne had the opportunity to experience a historic moment on Saturday. Trailing Illinois 50-49 in overtime, the Purdue redshirt freshman quarterback lined up in shotgun formation with a chance to make another play and lead the Boilermakers to an unthinkable comeback victory.

The ball was snapped and Illinois applied pressure. Browne fought back but couldn't escape the grasp of Dylan Rosiek, who fired a sack and sealed the win for the Fighting Illini. Purdue's redshirt freshman quarterback didn't have his legendary moment, but he was already something of a hero on Saturday.

How fitting that he wears number 15, just like another legendary quarterback who once wore the black and gold.

Browne started Saturday in place of an injured Hudson Card, who missed the game with a concussion. To be honest, it looked like the Boilermakers were going to be run out of Memorial Stadium.

For those familiar with the local establishment in West Lafayette, the phrase “Go Ugly Early” applied to Purdue’s football team in the first half. Browne finished with just nine yards and the Boilermakers trailed 24-3.

In those situations in the previous four games, Purdue had essentially waved the white flag. But something changed in the second half, and for the first time since a 49-0 win over Indiana State in the opener, the Boilermakers showed fighting spirit.

Browne was a key factor in Purdue's success in the second half. He connected with Jahmal Edrine on a 57-yard pass for the Boilers' first touchdown of the third quarter. He added two more touchdown passes to his total in the fourth quarter, finding Jaron Tibbs from eight yards out and connecting with Devin Mockobee on a 13-yard pass.

For much of the game, his ability to control the football proved to be a problem for the Illinois defense. Browne gave Purdue a spark and had his team knocking on the door of a Top 25 upset on the road.

It didn't quite work out that way, but Browne's efforts are no less admirable. The redshirt freshman finished his first career start completing 18 of 26 passes for 297 yards and three touchdowns. He gained 118 yards on 17 carries. More importantly, he finished the game without losing the ball.

Many factors played a role in Purdue's second-half success in Champaign on Saturday. Coach Ryan Walters was incredibly familiar with Bret Bielema's plan, having served as the Illini's defensive coordinator in 2021-22. Walters also handled offensive play-calling duties. And let's be honest: After building a 27-3 lead in the third quarter, Illinois probably hit the snooze button.

None of this detracts from Browne's achievement. One wonders: What can Browne do for Purdue?

Yes, that's a silly reference to the old UPS slogan, but it applies to West Lafayette. Browne brought a different dynamic to Purdue's offense on Saturday, and he earned the opportunity to prove he can consistently provide that spark.

After the loss, Walters was asked when Card might be healthy again. After a frustrating defeat, he simply said: “I'm not sure.” When asked whether Browne had a chance to compete for the starting position, the coach gave no answer.

“I mean, we had an emotional game,” Walters replied.

Next week, Purdue welcomes an undefeated Oregon team to Ross-Ade Stadium. It's a team that's riding high after a thrilling 32-31 win over Ohio State and heading to the Big Ten Championship Game in December.

The Purdue we had seen in the last four games would be unconscious at halftime. The team we saw in Champaign – the one led by Browne – could pose some challenges for the Ducks.

After a miserable start to the year, Purdue finally showed fighting spirit. Browne was responsible for this. Whether he's the best quarterback on the roster or not, he's earned the chance to be the long-term starter in West Lafayette.

It's time to give Browne the keys to the attack and see if he can deliver consistently.

PURDUE OREGON SPREAD RELEASED: Oregon entered Friday night's game against Purdue at Ross-Ade Stadium as heavy favorites. CLICK HERE

RYAN WALTERS EXPLAINS THE 2-POINT CONVERSION: After scoring a touchdown in overtime, Purdue attempted a two-point conversion to beat Illinois. It didn't work out, but Ryan Walters says it was the right choice. CLICK HERE

BIELEMA “CRAZY” ON PURDUE: Illinois coach Bret Bielema said in his postgame press conference that he was “pissed off” ahead of Saturday’s game against Purdue. CLICK HERE