BTN.com staff, September 29, 2012
Purdue's Caleb TerBush threw four touchdown passes, including three to Gary Bush, Saturday and the Boilermakers ran two interceptions back for scores as they held off Marshall 51-41. TerBush finished 27 of 37 for 294 yards on a day both offenses had big numbers. Marshall (2-3) lived up to its billing as the nation's No. 1 passing offense.
After forging a 14-14 tie early in the second quarter, Purdue's defense flipped the game by turning three quick interceptions into touchdowns. Cornerbacks Ricardo Allen and Josh Johnson each scored on their interceptions (Watch them), marking the first time in Purdue history that two interceptions were returned for TDs in the same game. When the flurry ended, Purdue (3-1) led 42-14.
Marshall charged back in the second half, closing the gap to 10 with 3:46 to play but couldn't get any closer.
Tommy Shuler set Marshall's single-game record with 19 receptions and finished with 200 yards.
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Here are TerBush's three TD passes to Bush:
No. 1:
No. 2:
No. 3:
See BTN.com senior writer Tom Dienhart's Snap Reaction from Purdue's win:
1. The Boilermakers have tallied over a combined 100 points in the last two games. Yes, they have come vs. horrible defenses (Eastern Michigan and Marshall). Nonetheless, Purdue can build on its offensive success as it moves into conference action next week at home vs. Michigan. After that, Wisconsin comes to Ross-Ade Stadium.
2. Purdue had some holes punched in its defense today by Marshall and its potent passing game. The Thundering Herd notched 534 yards with 439 coming through the air. Should the Boilers be worried? The good news: They won?t see another aerial game like this in the Big Ten. Purdue-which generated four turnovers and has two ?pick sixs?–may have lost interest after building a 42-14 halftime bulge.
3. Purdue?s status as a dark horse remains intact. In fact, if not for a three-point loss at Notre Dame, the Boilermakers would be unbeaten. Still, they figure to be right in the thick of the Leaders Division race.
FINAL: Gary Bush hauled in eight passes, including three touchdowns, for a total of 98 yards in Purdue's 51-41 victory over Marshall on Saturday at Ross-Ade Stadium. Despite taking the loss, Rakeem Cato gave the Thundering Herd a fighting chance thanks to a big game through the air. Cato threw for 437 yards and five touchdowns on 45-for-68 passing.
The Boilermakers and Marshall put on an entertaining offensive show. Purdue and the Thundering Herd rode their powerful offenses to a combined 977 total yards.
Marshall nearly made a 28-point deficit evaporate, but the Boilermakers' defense held strong against a late the Thundering Herd comeback to clinch the victory.
Caleb TerBush threw for 295 yards while completing 27 of 37 passes for Purdue. TerBush tossed four touchdowns and one interception.
The Boilermakers racked up 444 total yards. In addition to TerBush's efforts through the air, Purdue also rushed 53 times for 149 yards.
Marshall's offense finished the game having gained 533 yards. The Thundering Herd's passing game had to do most of the work with the rushing attack contributing just 96 yards rushing on 23 attempts.
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