Curtis Painter threw for 357 yards and three touchdowns, which were enough to offset his two interceptions, in a 27-9 defeat of Notre Dame.

Painter's biggest play of the game came with the team leading 10-0. A ten-point lead is a nice start, but Notre Dame was scheduled to receive the kickoff in the second half. Painter was able to find tight end Kyle Adams on a 10-yard touchdown pass with six seconds remaining in the half, giving the Boilermakers a 17-0 lead.

The defense was stout all game, not allowing a touchdown until the fourth quarter. Notre Dame tried a two-point conversion, and it was unsuccessful.

Wide Receiver Brandon Whittington had the finest game of his career, an 8-reception game for over 110 yards. He also scored a touchdown on a 20-yard reception, his longest of the day.