2008 Week 10

Michigan threw the football just nine times all game in a 42-23 victory on the road against Purdue.

Two turnovers by the Boilermakers did not help the cause. Michigan, in response, played mistake-free football and ran for over 225 yards.

There were fireworks early. After a long drive resulting in a five-yard touchdown pass for Purdue, Michigan scored on a 72-yard scamper by B. Minor on the next play from scrimmage.

The Boilers responded with a 97-yard kickoff return by Brandon Whittington. The Wolverines couldn't get anything going right away, but a great punt by Z. Mesko resulted in Purdue with their backs to the wall near their own goal line.

Curtis Painter responded by making a horrible read, throwing to a receiver who was well covered. Defensive back D. Dutch picked it off and returned it a mere 11 yards for a touchdown.

After that, Purdue was completely ineffective on offense the rest of the game.

"He might be a senior, but he looked a little shell-shocked after that one," said Joe Tiller after the game. "I think he felt he gave the game away a little bit."

The Purdue run defense fell apart, allowing four additional touchdowns on the ground before the game was over. Normally stout, the Boiler defenders looked exasperated - and beaten - after the game.