2001 Bucket Game

2001 – November 24

  1              2              3              4              T

PUR     0              0            7               0            7

IND      7            6             0                   0             13

Trailing 13-7 early in the fourth quarter, Purdue took over on its own 45-yard line. The Boilermakers successfully converted three third downs in their drive down to the Indiana 1-yard-line with 10:08 left.

On fourth-and-goal, Purdue came out in a power formation with two defensive linemen inserted as blockers. IU responded with a goal line defense that featured an extra defensive lineman and three linebackers, anchored by the 6-1, 243-pound LaPostolle in the middle.

Montrelle Lowe took Kyle Orton's handoff, and when he went off left tackle he was promptly stuffed just short of the goal line by LaPostolle. The defensive stop proved pivotal, as the Hoosiers held on for the 13-7 triumph.

The tone for the 2001 game was set during game week, when Purdue defensive tackle Matt Mitrione made some disparaging comments about the IU running backs and receivers.

Senior tailback Levron Williams wasted no time in response, taking an option pitch left and cutting back for a 52-yard touchdown less than two minutes into the opening quarter. Adam Braucher's extra point gave Indiana a 7-0 lead.

Indiana added to its lead late in the first quarter, as the Boilermakers fumbled away the football on their own 34-yard line. Eight plays later, Randle El ran 10 yards up the middle on a draw play for the touchdown. The extra point attempt failed, but the Hoosiers maintained a 13-0 lead.

In addition to the 13-0 halftime advantage, the Hoosiers outgained the Boilermakers, 214-60 in first half total offense.

Purdue opened the second half by driving to the Hoosier 23-yard line, but a fumble by Sedrick Brown gave the ball back to Indiana. Jeremi Johnson fumbled the ball right back to the Boilers, and following a pass interference call, Orton connected with John Standeford for a 14-yard touchdown to cut the IU lead to 13-7.

As it turns out, LaPostolle snuffed out Purdue's next opportunity, and the Boilermakers' subsequent two possessions resulted in punts. Purdue mounted one final drive, and when Orton's fourth-down pass to tight end Tim Stratton went incomplete with 1:27, the Hoosiers ran out the clock to celebrate the victory.