Sept 14, 2002
Purdue-Western Michigan Statistics in PDF Format
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By DAN GELSTON
Associated Press Writer
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) - John Standeford had seven catches for 143 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winning 30-yarder from Kyle Orton with 5:26 left, as Purdue rallied to beat Western Michigan 28-24 Saturday.
The Boilermakers (2-1) were in danger of losing at home to an unranked opponent for only the second time in the last seven years after Western Michigan (1-2) scored 10 fourth-quarter points to go ahead 24-21.
Kyle Orton, under pressure and trying to find consistency all game, connected with Standeford for a 45-yard gain on the third play of Purdue's decisive drive. The two hooked up on the go-ahead score on the next play, as Orton found Standeford in the right corner of the end zone.
Orton completed 16 of 30 passes for 216 yards but was sacked five times, three times by Jason Babin.
Jon Drach tried to rally the Broncos on their final drive, completing passes of 24 and 10 yards before the possession stalled at Purdue's' 46-yard line. Drach's final pass attempt on fourth down was broken up by Antwaun Rogers.
Drach was 13-for-26 for 203 yards, with a touchdown passing and rushing. He split time with Chad Munson, who went 10-for-20 with 113 yards. Both quarterbacks struggled to get comfortable in the pocket, getting sacked a total of seven times.
Drach was under pressure and scrambled for a 15-yard touchdown, tying the game at 21 midway through the fourth quarter. The touchdown was set up by a 71-yard pass to Philip Reed.
Reed ran for 81 yards on 14 carries and had two receptions for 82 yards.
Purdue running back Jerod Void fumbled three plays into the ensuing drive, and the Broncos capitalized. Anthony Apa kicked a low liner for a 46-yard field goal - the first of his career - for a 24-21 lead.
A 20-yard pass from Drach to Mobolaji Afariogun and a 59-yarder by Reed gave Western Michigan a 14-7 lead at halftime.
Purdue guard Rob Turner recovered a fumble in the end zone and Joey Harris had a 13-yard run as the Boilermakers went back ahead 21-14 in the third.
Junior safety Stuart Schweigert set Purdue's career interception record with his 12th. He picked off a pass by Munson with 39 seconds left in the third quarter. It was Schweigert's first interception of the season. Six other players shared the record of 11.