Ryan Browne leads Purdue past Indiana State 44-19 in Boilermakers’ season opener

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) — Ryan Browne had a stellar debut for Purdue, tossing for a career-best 317 yards and three touchdowns in the Boilermakers’ season opener against Indiana State.

This marked Browne's first career-high performance, surpassing his previous 311-yard total set last season. He completed 23 of 29 passes, including a 6-yard touchdown to Chauncey Magwood, a 7-yard strike to Tra’Mar Harris, and an 18-yard TD to Asaad Waseem.

The Purdue defense stifled Indiana State, leading 16-6 at halftime before scoring 28 unanswered points in the second half. A crucial 35-yard interception return by Don Saunders with 12 seconds left in the fourth quarter extended Purdue’s lead to 44-6.

Indiana State's Brady Allen stepped in for Elijah Owens in the fourth quarter, connecting on a 3-for-5 pass attempt for 117 yards and a touchdown. The Sycamores, however, were unable to overcome Purdue’s strong start.

Fame Ijeboi, a transfer from Minnesota, rushed for 87 yards and a touchdown in his Boilermakers debut, though a 63-yard TD run was negated by a penalty. Purdue struggled to move the ball inside Indiana State’s 25-yard line, settling for three field goals.

Despite Indiana State’s efforts, they could only muster 284 total yards. Purdue finished with a strong 523 yards on the ground. The Boilermakers’ offense stalled inside the Sycamores’ 25-yard line three times in the first half, leading to field goal attempts.

Freshman Jacobo Echeverria Lozano made all three of Purdue’s field goals, from 39, 25, and 23 yards respectively. Spencer Porath, who transferred to Notre Dame after previously making 15 of 17 field goals for Purdue, was not on the field in this game.