2011 Purdue Football: Boilermakers Fall 24-22 At Rice

Read More: Caleb TerBush (QB - Purdue), Ralph Bolden (RB - Purdue), Carson Wiggs (K - Purdue), O.J. Ross (WR - Purdue), Ricardo Allen (CB - Purdue), Akeem Shavers (RB - Purdue), Purdue Boilermakers, Rice Owls

Last week a blocked field goal by Ricardo Allen saved Purdue in a 27-24 win over Middle Tennessee State. This week the opposite happened. Carson Wiggs lined up for a game-winning 31-yard field goal attempt as time expired but the Rice Owls blocked it to preserve a hard fought 24-22 win over the Boilermakers.

After being tied 17-17 at the half Purdue gave up an 11 play 80-yard drive to start the second half and take a 24-17 lead. That was all the Owls needed as Purdue only managed a safety and a Wiggs field goal offensively in the second half.

Trailing 24-19 in the fourth quarter O.J. Ross stumbled as he was on his way to a go-ahead touchdown, falling out of bounds at the Rice 13 yard line. Purdue had to settle for a field goal, but its defense was able to hold and give them another chance.

Ralph Bolden and Akeem Shavers quickly moved Purdue into field goal range, but the Boilermakers held the ball for the final play and field goal attempt.

Caleb TerBush finished with 183 yards passing on 18 of 13 attempts and a touchdown, but it was not enough to get Purdue going in the second half.