2002 Purdue Boilermakers football team
Encyclopedia
The 2002 Purdue Boilermakers football team represented Purdue University
in the 2002 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The team was coached by Joe Tiller
and played its home games at Ross-Ade Stadium
. Purdue played thirteen games in the 2002 season, finishing with a 7-6 record and a victory in the Sun Bowl
to Washington.
.
won his first Home game as coach of the Fighting Irish. The Boilermakers got a 76-yard punt return TD from Anthony Chambers, RB Joey Harris ran for 125 yards, and WR John Standeford
had 5 catches for 110 yards in the loss.
established Purdue interception record with his 12th career pick in the 4th quarter.
's Demon Deacons rolled up almost 250 yards rushing to pull off the mild upset. Chris Barclay had 3 rushing TDs for the Deacs, who forced/benefitted from 5 turnovers and 3 missed 4th-quarter field goals that would have tied the game. For Purdue, Kyle Orton
had a productive passing day (24-43; 331 yds), Joey Harris ran for 120 yards, and John Standeford had a terrific performance (6-191) with 2 long TD receptions.
. On the first play of the second half, strong safety Ralph Turner returned an interception for a TD. Later, after linebacker Gilbert Gardner
returned a fumble to the Gophers' 9-yard-line, defensive end Shaun Phillips
lined up at tight end and caught a touchdown pass from Kyle Orton (19-32; 190 yds) in a goal-line situation. Joey Harris ran for another 100+ yards in the win, while the Purdue defense limited Gophers' QB Asad Abdul-Khaliq to 33% passing on 48 attempts.
in the final seconds to preserve a thrilling win for the Hawkeyes that dropped Purdue to 3-3. Amazingly clutch Iowa QB Brad Banks
had just led the Hawkeyes on a 87-yard drive, culminating with a 4th down TD pass to TE Dallas Clark
for what turned out to be the winning points. The Purdue passing game moved the ball well with 400+ passing yards combined between Kyle Orton and the freshman Kirsch, who replaced the injured Orton and rallied the Boilermakers from a 24-14 deficit with two 4th quarter TD drives before Banks' heroics. Ultimately, the Boilermakers were undone by big plays - two special teams miscues (blocked FG returned for TD, blocked punt returned for TD), and a 95 yard TD catch-and-run by Dallas Clark.
. Freshman QB Brandon Kirsch relieved starting QB Kyle Orton for the second straight week with much success, rallying Purdue to a 31-24 lead in the 4th quarter. Redshirt freshman RB Brandon Jones was a big part of the rally as well with 127 rushing yards and a 36 yard TD catch.
After Purdue's go-ahead score, Illinois mounted a long drive that came to a 4th and goal from the Purdue 1 yard line with 7 seconds left. Despite protest from the Purdue coaching staff, officials ruled Antoineo Harris had crossed the goal line for a tying TD with 3 seconds remaining. After downing a short squib kick, Kyle Orton re-entered to complete a "Hail Mary" pass to WR John Standeford, who made the catch near the end zone before being pushed back. Officials ruled him down at the 1 yard line (despite further protest from the Purdue coaching staff), sending the game into overtime. Illinois then won the game in OT, getting a TD catch from WR Greg Lewis, and then stopping Purdue at the 7 yard line on 4th down.
Purdue compiled almost 600 yards of offense, and LB Niko Koutouvides
had 14 tackles in the painful loss.
WR Taylor Stubblefield
had 11 catches for 104 yards for the Boilers in defeat.
With less than 2 minutes remaining, the Buckeyes offense was given a short field after a Chris Gamble
punt return. QB Craig Krenzel
overcame a second down sack to complete a 3rd down and 14 pass to TE Ben Hartsock
, setting up a 4th and 1 from Purdue's 36 yard line. Under a heavy blitz, Krenzel threw deep for WR Michael Jenkins who caught the ball over the outstretched arm of CB Antwaun Rogers for the winning TD. Purdue's final drive ended when 2-way player Chris Gamble
intercepted a deep pass thrown by Kyle Orton.
This game has been dubbed the "Holy Buckeye" game, named for the Brent Musberger call of the winning play.
Purdue had a terrific day on the ground, running for over 300 yards as a team thanks to QB Brandon Kirsch and RBs Joey Harris and Brandon Jones (125, 89, and 88 yards respectively).
Two all Big Ten WRs had phenomenal days. Purdue's Standeford had 5 catches for 136 yards and 2 scores, while the Spartans' Charles Rogers had 8 catches for 161 yards and 2 TDs.
from a depleted Indiana Hoosiers team in a decisive 34-10 win. ( Per the ESPN telecast, less than 50 players dressed for IU.) The Purdue offense once again shined, piling up 500+ yards behind another strong O-Line performance that enabled both Joey Harris and Brandon Jones to exceed 100 yards rushing. After an early long TD pass to John Standeford, QB Brandon Kirsch was replaced by Kyle Orton, who had a very efficient passing day with a 22-28; 173 yard performance. Fifth year senior SS Ralph Turner capped his final home game with a game-clinching interception.
opponent Washington Huskies by the same score of that contest 2 seasons prior, 34-24.
Purdue dug a big first quarter hole by committing numerous gaffes on offense (bad snap returned for TD) and special teams (punter mishandled the snap, turned into a short TD drive for the Huskies). After that, however, the Boilermakers found a rhythm and took control of the game. QB Kyle Orton had his best overall game of the season (25-37; 283 yards), backed by 17 combined catches from WRs John Standeford and Taylor Stubblefield as well as 93 rushing yards from Joey Harris. Purdue's final TD game on a forced fumble for TD by LB Gilbert Gardner, and their final points came on a Berin Lacevic FG after a time-killing drive.
The 2002 Purdue Boilermakers, though they finished 7-6, nonetheless accomplished a rare feat; they finished ranked #1 in the Big Ten in total offense AND total defense yards per game.
Purdue University
Purdue University, located in West Lafayette, Indiana, U.S., is the flagship university of the six-campus Purdue University system. Purdue was founded on May 6, 1869, as a land-grant university when the Indiana General Assembly, taking advantage of the Morrill Act, accepted a donation of land and...
in the 2002 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The team was coached by Joe Tiller
Joe Tiller
Joe Tiller is a former American football player and coach. He served as the head football coach at the University of Wyoming from 1991 to 1996 and Purdue University from 1997 to 2008, compliling a career college football record of 126–92–1...
and played its home games at Ross-Ade Stadium
Ross-Ade Stadium
Ross–Ade Stadium is a stadium in West Lafayette, Indiana, United States. It is the home of the Purdue University Boilermakers football team.-History:...
. Purdue played thirteen games in the 2002 season, finishing with a 7-6 record and a victory in the Sun Bowl
2002 Sun Bowl
The 2002 Wells Fargo Sun Bowl featured the Washington Huskies, and the Purdue Boilermakers. This game was a rematch of the 2001 Rose Bowl.Washington scored first when quarterback Cody Pickett threw a 7 yard touchdown strike to wide receiver Patrick Reddick for an early 7-0 lead...
to Washington.
Schedule
Illinois State
The Boilermakers raced out to 27-0 lead early in the second quarter and never looked back vs. the overmatched Redbirds. The Purdue offense rolled up 500+ total yards in the first-ever August game at newly refurbished Ross-Ade StadiumRoss-Ade Stadium
Ross–Ade Stadium is a stadium in West Lafayette, Indiana, United States. It is the home of the Purdue University Boilermakers football team.-History:...
.
Notre Dame
With the help of 3 non-offensive TDs (2 Defense, 1 Special Team), Tyrone WillinghamTyrone Willingham
Lionel Tyrone "Ty" Willingham is a former American football player and coach. He was the head coach at Stanford University , the University of Notre Dame , and the University of Washington , compiling a career college football record of 76–88–1.-Early career:Willingham attended...
won his first Home game as coach of the Fighting Irish. The Boilermakers got a 76-yard punt return TD from Anthony Chambers, RB Joey Harris ran for 125 yards, and WR John Standeford
John Standeford
John William Standeford is an American football wide receiver for the Virginia Destroyers of the United Football League. He was signed by the Washington Redskins as an undrafted free agent in 2004...
had 5 catches for 110 yards in the loss.
Western Michigan
Thanks to Western Michigan's potent dual-QB passing attack, the Boilermakers found themselves in a dogfight with the Broncos deep into the fourth quarter. John Standeford (7 catches for 143 yards, 2TDs) caught game-winning TD with 5:26 to go. Stuart SchweigertStuart Schweigert
Stuart Schweigert is an American football safety for the Omaha Nighthawks of the United Football League. He was drafted in the third round of the 2004 NFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders. He played college football at Purdue.-Early years:Schweigert played quarterback and safety for Saginaw Heritage...
established Purdue interception record with his 12th career pick in the 4th quarter.
Wake Forest
The ACCAtlantic Coast Conference
The Atlantic Coast Conference is a collegiate athletic league in the United States. Founded in 1953 in Greensboro, North Carolina, the ACC sanctions competition in twenty-five sports in Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association for its twelve member universities...
's Demon Deacons rolled up almost 250 yards rushing to pull off the mild upset. Chris Barclay had 3 rushing TDs for the Deacs, who forced/benefitted from 5 turnovers and 3 missed 4th-quarter field goals that would have tied the game. For Purdue, Kyle Orton
Kyle Orton
Kyle Orton is an American football quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League. He played college football at Purdue, where he started four straight bowl games. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
had a productive passing day (24-43; 331 yds), Joey Harris ran for 120 yards, and John Standeford had a terrific performance (6-191) with 2 long TD receptions.
Minnesota
The Boilermakers improved to 3-2, using a strong third quarter performance to defeat previously unbeaten Minnesota in an evening tilt on ESPN2ESPN2
ESPN2 is an American sports cable television network owned by ESPN. The channel debuted on October 1, 1993.Originally nicknamed "the deuce," ESPN2 was initially branded as a network for a younger generation of sports fans featuring edgier graphics as well as extreme sports like motocross,...
. On the first play of the second half, strong safety Ralph Turner returned an interception for a TD. Later, after linebacker Gilbert Gardner
Gilbert Gardner
Gilbert Ravelle Gardner, II is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the third round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Purdue....
returned a fumble to the Gophers' 9-yard-line, defensive end Shaun Phillips
Shaun Phillips
- San Diego Chargers :As a rookie, Shaun Phillips played in all 16 games and was second on the team with four sacks. He continued to improve in his second season as he recorded seven sacks in 15 games, good for second on the team....
lined up at tight end and caught a touchdown pass from Kyle Orton (19-32; 190 yds) in a goal-line situation. Joey Harris ran for another 100+ yards in the win, while the Purdue defense limited Gophers' QB Asad Abdul-Khaliq to 33% passing on 48 attempts.
Iowa
Reserve DB Adolphus Shelton thwarted a promising final drive by intercepting backup QB Brandon KirschBrandon Kirsch
Brandon Michael Kirsch is a currently a free agent quarterback.-High school:Brandon Kirsch, attended Cedar Crest High School in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, where he was first team all-state, first team all-county and league Most Valuable Player as senior after completing 115 of 198 passes for 1,950...
in the final seconds to preserve a thrilling win for the Hawkeyes that dropped Purdue to 3-3. Amazingly clutch Iowa QB Brad Banks
Brad Banks
Brad Banks is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He was originally signed by the Washington Redskins...
had just led the Hawkeyes on a 87-yard drive, culminating with a 4th down TD pass to TE Dallas Clark
Dallas Clark
Dallas Dean Clark is an American football tight end for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Colts 24th overall in the 2003 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Iowa...
for what turned out to be the winning points. The Purdue passing game moved the ball well with 400+ passing yards combined between Kyle Orton and the freshman Kirsch, who replaced the injured Orton and rallied the Boilermakers from a 24-14 deficit with two 4th quarter TD drives before Banks' heroics. Ultimately, the Boilermakers were undone by big plays - two special teams miscues (blocked FG returned for TD, blocked punt returned for TD), and a 95 yard TD catch-and-run by Dallas Clark.
Illinois
After overcoming a 24-0 first half deficit, the Boilermakers fell to 3-4 in spectacular - and controversial - fashion in an exciting non-televised game. The Illini (2-5) built their lead by returning the opening kickoff for a TD, then getting an 83 yard run from Antoineo Harris (who narrowly avoided a safety on the play), getting a 47 yard TD run from Harris (23 carries, 195 yards) and finally a Dustin Ward TD pass to Brandon LloydBrandon Lloyd
Brandon Matthew Lloyd is an American football wide receiver for the St. Louis Rams of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the fourth round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
. Freshman QB Brandon Kirsch relieved starting QB Kyle Orton for the second straight week with much success, rallying Purdue to a 31-24 lead in the 4th quarter. Redshirt freshman RB Brandon Jones was a big part of the rally as well with 127 rushing yards and a 36 yard TD catch.
After Purdue's go-ahead score, Illinois mounted a long drive that came to a 4th and goal from the Purdue 1 yard line with 7 seconds left. Despite protest from the Purdue coaching staff, officials ruled Antoineo Harris had crossed the goal line for a tying TD with 3 seconds remaining. After downing a short squib kick, Kyle Orton re-entered to complete a "Hail Mary" pass to WR John Standeford, who made the catch near the end zone before being pushed back. Officials ruled him down at the 1 yard line (despite further protest from the Purdue coaching staff), sending the game into overtime. Illinois then won the game in OT, getting a TD catch from WR Greg Lewis, and then stopping Purdue at the 7 yard line on 4th down.
Purdue compiled almost 600 yards of offense, and LB Niko Koutouvides
Niko Koutouvides
Niko Stelios Koutouvides is an American football linebacker, currently with the New England Patriots of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL Draft...
had 14 tackles in the painful loss.
Michigan
The Boilermakers fell to 3-5, losing by a close margin once again, this time to the ninth-ranked Wolverines. In his first start QB Brandon Kirsch was effective throwing (172 yards) and running (81 yards), but 2 interceptions by QB Kyle Orton plus 2 missed FGs by Berin Lacevic proved fatal to the Boilermakers' upset bid. Purdue closed the margin to 2 with RB Jerod Void's TD run, but by then there were only 8 seconds left in the game.WR Taylor Stubblefield
Taylor Stubblefield
Taylor Evans Stubblefield is a former American football wide receiver for the Carolina Panthers and St. Louis Rams of the National Football League. He left Purdue owning the most receptions in NCAA history. Stubblefield is currently a wide receivers coach at Central Michigan University. A...
had 11 catches for 104 yards for the Boilers in defeat.
Northwestern
The Boilermakers improved to 4-5 by running all over a young and undersized Wildcats' defense for a Joe Tiller-era record 407 yards. RBs Joey Harris and Brandon Jones combined to run for nearly 300 yards, while QB Brandon Kirsch completed 8 of his 10 passes for 144 yards and 2 TDs.Ohio State
As with all of their 2002 losses, Purdue suffered its 6th of the season to eventual national champion Ohio State in excruciating fashion. It was a defensive struggle throughout, as the teams went into the half tied at 3 (Purdue' points were set up by a Niko Koutouvides interception). In the 4th quarter, Purdue took a 6-3 lead thanks to a Berin Lacevic field goal after a 58 yard pass to freshman WR Ray Williams.With less than 2 minutes remaining, the Buckeyes offense was given a short field after a Chris Gamble
Chris Gamble
Chris Lee Gamble is an American football player with the Carolina Panthers. During his NFL career Gamble has only played cornerback, but was briefly a wide receiver at the Ohio State University. He was converted into a cornerback during his sophomore year...
punt return. QB Craig Krenzel
Craig Krenzel
Craig Krenzel is a former college and professional American football quarterback. He is currently a radio commentator for WBNS 97.1 The FAN in Columbus, which broadcasts the Ohio State Buckeyes football games.-High school career:...
overcame a second down sack to complete a 3rd down and 14 pass to TE Ben Hartsock
Ben Hartsock
Benjamin Richard Hartsock is an American football tight end who currently plays for the Carolina Panthers. He was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the third round of the 2004 NFL Draft...
, setting up a 4th and 1 from Purdue's 36 yard line. Under a heavy blitz, Krenzel threw deep for WR Michael Jenkins who caught the ball over the outstretched arm of CB Antwaun Rogers for the winning TD. Purdue's final drive ended when 2-way player Chris Gamble
Chris Gamble
Chris Lee Gamble is an American football player with the Carolina Panthers. During his NFL career Gamble has only played cornerback, but was briefly a wide receiver at the Ohio State University. He was converted into a cornerback during his sophomore year...
intercepted a deep pass thrown by Kyle Orton.
This game has been dubbed the "Holy Buckeye" game, named for the Brent Musberger call of the winning play.
Michigan State
Two teams desperate to remain in the hunt for a bowl selection played a wild game that featured 7 lead changes. In the end, Purdue (5-6) prevailed when QB Kyle Orton relieved an injured Brandon Kirsch on a late drive to throw a deep 4th down TD pass to WR John Standeford with just over 3 minutes left. The defense then sealed the game by stopping a scrambling QB Damon Dowdell short of a first down near midfield in the closing minute.Purdue had a terrific day on the ground, running for over 300 yards as a team thanks to QB Brandon Kirsch and RBs Joey Harris and Brandon Jones (125, 89, and 88 yards respectively).
Two all Big Ten WRs had phenomenal days. Purdue's Standeford had 5 catches for 136 yards and 2 scores, while the Spartans' Charles Rogers had 8 catches for 161 yards and 2 TDs.
Indiana
The Boilermakers qualified for their 6th bowl game in 6 years under Joe Tiller by reclaiming the Old Oaken BucketOld Oaken Bucket
The Old Oaken Bucket is the name of the trophy that is annually awarded to the winner of the Big Ten Conference college football game between Indiana University and Purdue University. It is one of the oldest football trophies in the nation...
from a depleted Indiana Hoosiers team in a decisive 34-10 win. ( Per the ESPN telecast, less than 50 players dressed for IU.) The Purdue offense once again shined, piling up 500+ yards behind another strong O-Line performance that enabled both Joey Harris and Brandon Jones to exceed 100 yards rushing. After an early long TD pass to John Standeford, QB Brandon Kirsch was replaced by Kyle Orton, who had a very efficient passing day with a 22-28; 173 yard performance. Fifth year senior SS Ralph Turner capped his final home game with a game-clinching interception.
Washington
The Boilermakers finished a difficult but rewarding 2002 campaign by defeating their 2001 Rose Bowl2001 Rose Bowl
The 2001 Rose Bowl was a college football bowl game played on January 1, 2001. It was the 87th Rose Bowl game. The University of Washington Huskies football team defeated the Purdue University Boilermakers football team 34-24...
opponent Washington Huskies by the same score of that contest 2 seasons prior, 34-24.
Purdue dug a big first quarter hole by committing numerous gaffes on offense (bad snap returned for TD) and special teams (punter mishandled the snap, turned into a short TD drive for the Huskies). After that, however, the Boilermakers found a rhythm and took control of the game. QB Kyle Orton had his best overall game of the season (25-37; 283 yards), backed by 17 combined catches from WRs John Standeford and Taylor Stubblefield as well as 93 rushing yards from Joey Harris. Purdue's final TD game on a forced fumble for TD by LB Gilbert Gardner, and their final points came on a Berin Lacevic FG after a time-killing drive.
The 2002 Purdue Boilermakers, though they finished 7-6, nonetheless accomplished a rare feat; they finished ranked #1 in the Big Ten in total offense AND total defense yards per game.