It wasn’t pretty, but Tommy Rees and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish survived a near upset against Purdue on Saturday.
The Boilermakers were in control for most of the game, jumping out to a 10-0 advantage in the second quarter and grabbing the lead again late in the third. The Irish refused to go away, however, and Brian Kelly’s crew used a late rally to propel themselves to a 31-24 victory.
The sputtering Irish offense struggled throughout the first half, as their first four drives resulted in three punts and a turnover-on-downs. Luckily for Notre Dame, they were able to add a field goal just before halftime, and they found some traction offensively in the second half.
Rees threw two touchdowns in the fourth quarter, including an 82-yard hookup with DaVaris Daniels. The Notre Dame defense then put the game away, as Bennett Jackson picked off a Purdue pass and returned it 34 yards for the score.
Purdue cut the lead to 31-24 on their next possession, but it was too little too late for the Boilermakers.
With the win, the No. 21 Irish improved to 2-1 on the season. They will take on Michigan State at home next week.
Meanwhile, the Boilermakers dropped to 1-2 this year. And unfortunately for Purdue fans, it doesn’t get any easier from here. The Boilermakers will travel to face No. 20 Wisconsin next Saturday.
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http://www.hollywoodbackwash.com/no-21-notre-dame-avoids-upset-with-31-24-win-over-purdue-2/