Saturday’s game between the Syracuse Orange and the Purdue Boilermakers made for one of the most exciting finishes that we have seen so far this season.
The game got off to a slow start, with Purdue holding a 9-3 lead heading into halftime in a defensive showcase from both sides. Both teams came into the game averaging over 35 points per game, so many were expecting fireworks on offense. The first half didn’t produce that, but things picked up in a big way in the fourth quarter, with both teams scoring in a hurry.
After taking the lead late in the fourth quarter, Syracuse saw themselves fall behind with only 51 remaining in the game after a clutch touchdown pass from Purdue quarterback Aidan O’Connell.
https://twitter.com/FTBeard7/status/1571222533395054592
This was a huge play for Purdue, but tight end Payne Durham, who caught the touchdown, made a huge mistake in the process.
Durham got a personal foul for an altercation with a Syracuse defender after the touchdown catch, and then Purdue’s special teams coach also got a personal foul while defending his player.
This caused Purdue to kick off to Syracuse at their own ten-yard line, giving Syracuse excellent field position for a potential game-winning drive from quarterback Garrett Shrader.
After a pass interference call gave Syracuse the ball at the 25-yard line, Shrader dropped a dime to wide receiver Oronde Gadsden for a 35-yard touchdown to take the lead with only seven seconds left in the game.
It was a debilitating touchdown allowed by Purdue, who lost their cool as a team, receiving several personal fouls on the extra point attempt that would be assessed on the kickoff.
This made for a very rare kick from Syracuse, kicking off on Purdue’s 35-yard line, which would result in an easy touchback.
Purdue would run out of time on their possession and Syracuse would win the game to remain undefeated with a 32-29 victory.
Many took to social media to express the sheer chaos at the end of the game highlighted by Shrader’s excellent touchdown pass to win the game.
The end of Syracuse-Purdue was a masterclass in bad game management by both coaching staffs, capped off with Purdue gift-wrapping 30 yards in unsportsmanlikes prior to this. Great college football game https://t.co/AlEckF3RtX
— Alex Kirshner (@alex_kirshner) September 17, 2022
This win from Syracuse marks the first 3-0 start for the program since 2018 when head coach Dino Babers was able to lead the Orange to 10 wins. Considering many predicting a losing record for Syracuse this season, this is a huge win for a program that desperately needed a good outcome this year.
About Reice Shipley
Reice Shipley is a staff writer for Comeback Media that graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Sports Media. He previously worked at Barrett Sports Media and is a fan of all things Syracuse sports.