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Final Score: Middle Tennessee 24 - Purdue 27

West Lafayette, IN (Sports Network) - In exciting fashion Purdue was able to open the year with a 27-24 victory over the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders thanks to a blocked field goal by Ricardo Allen in the final seconds of regulation at Ross-Ade Stadium.

The Boilermakers trailed for most of the contest but scored 10 straight fourth quarter points to take the lead. MTU did drive down the field in the final minute, but Allen's heroics sealed the win for Purdue.

The Boilermakers (1-0) pounded MTU with the run, racking up 201 yards on 46 carries. The majority of the damage was done by Ralph Bolden, who finished with 120 yards on 17 carries. Akeem Shavers added a touchdown and 42 yards on seven totes. Caleb TerBush threw for 219 yards in the win and also tossed two scores.

Logan Kilgore had a big game for Middle Tennessee (0-1), throwing for 330 yards and two touchdowns on 27-of-45 efficiency. Malcolm Beyah was on the receiving end of one of those touchdowns, and finished with 89 yards on four receptions.

Deep in Big Ten country the Blue Raiders jumped out to an early lead when Kilgore connected with Beyah for a 26-yard scoring strike.

The Boilermakers were able to get on the scoreboard in the opening quarter thanks to a 50-yard field goal by Carson Wiggs.

Purdue took the lead midway through the second stanza when TerBush connected with Jared Crank for a two-yard touchdown pass.

MTU regained the lead late in the first half when Kilgore capped off an eight- play, 95-yard drive with a 21-yard touchdown pass to Sancho McDonald.

After a scoreless third quarter the Blue Raiders extended their lead to 17-10 with a 42-yard field goal by Alan Gendreau early in the third quarter.

Purdue continued to defend its home field and tied the game at 17 apiece with an impressive 30-yard touchdown run by Shavers.

MTU wasted little time regaining the lead, as the Blue Raiders used a two-yard touchdown run by Benjamin Cunningham to go back ahead.

The Boilermakers responded on their next drive with a 47-yard field goal by Wiggs.

The lead changed hands once again, as the Boilermakers went ahead 27-24 in the final minute of regulation. The score came from TerBush, who connected with Antavian Edison for a 35-yard touchdown pass.

Purdue allowed MTU to make it interesting, but by the final whistle the Boilermakers were victorious in their season-opener.