U Can’t Beat Purdue

LewJack flying to the basket

Due to the late start and the fact that I am getting old I will keep this short. Purdue outlasted Miami tonight 76-65 to win on the opening night of the Big Ten/ACC Challenge. I say outlasted because the game was still in doubt until the final minute. This was another one that seemed like it should have been over much sooner, but a combination of factors kept Miami in the game. Several times I thought that Purdue had them worn down and would pull away only to have Miami pull back to within five or so.

Purdue Is Bowl Eligible!

Purdue celebrating becoming bowl eligible in 2006

After a couple of years sitting at home during the holidays Purdue has put itself in position to head to a bowl with their win over Indiana earlier today. I did not go to the game because my one man road trips are really not too cost effective. I figured I would save that money to head to a bowl to see the Boilers. I have seen the team on the road every year since 2004 so the streak is on the line with this bowl game. You should never celebrate a .500 season, but right now it is progress, and that is all you can ask for.

Did He Just Do That? (Purdue-Western Michigan Photo Gallery)

Tonight a group of us took advantage of the ticket deal and went to the Purdue game that was not originally on the schedule at the beginning of the year. The opponent was Western Michigan, and with the holiday tomorrow many people did not come out to the game. They missed out. Last year during the Michigan State game I snapped a picture just as Lewis Jackson was attempting a slam. He did not get it down, but it left everyone wondering what if. Just this week I saw some talk about whether or not LewJack could still slam. On a break in the second half he showed everyone just what he could do. He soared high enough to put down a nasty dunk. I really wish that the students were in the arena and the stands were packed. Maybe I should be happy that the stadium was only half full. I might not be able to hear right now had the place been packed. It was the highlight of the night for sure, and maybe of the non conference schedule. Instead of rambling anymore I will just post some pictures from tonight’s game.

Ryne Smith continues his hot shooting

Tony Stewart Is Your Champion!

Tony Stewart at Speedweeks in 2009

Tonight NASCAR got what they wanted when the Chase for the Championship came down to two drivers. Both Carl Edwards and Tony Stewart raced hard all night long with the overall lead changing hands a few times. In the end though the Indiana driver prevailed. The championship did not come easy though as Stewart had to fight through the pack multiple times to get the win. It reminded me of an ARCA race that I saw at DuQuoin Raceway ten years ago. Stewart came through the pack multiple times showing just how good of a driver he is. I normally don’t watch much NASCAR, but while I was waiting for the Purdue game to start tonight I couldn’t stop watching it. I ended up watching both at the same time because it was such a good race. Basically with Carl Edwards on his back bumper Tony had to win the race. It was his fifth win of the ten chase races. Even with the five wins Tony only tied Carl for the championship. The reason Tony is the champion is the races that he won. A great night for Tony as he wins for his own team.

Purdue vs. Iowa Photo Gallery

I know that it is Indiana week, but I thought that I would take one last look back at the disappointing game yesterday. It seems as if our bowl chances took a huge hit with the loss. Here are some of the pictures that I liked from yesterday’s game.

Gabe Holmes makes a catch on the five looking to score...

...and then drags a few defenders in to tie the score at seven

Not Quite Yet

The play that could have sealed the deal for Marve's legend status at Purdue

All week long I really thought that Purdue was going to get the sixth win that would make them bowl eligible today. I really thought that the team looked good last week, and would not cause anymore of the heartache that they did earlier this season. During the Penn State game I tweeted that this team loves to rip my heart out. They did it again today. Just when you thought that they were going to get things going to get the win something happened to snuff that out. Today was just hard to watch. Before the game started as a little rain fell on our tailgate I made the comment about last year’s Michigan game. The rain did not come down like that game, but the game turned out the same. Constantly in reach the victory could not be pulled out. As a resident in Iowa for two years this really hurts. I always had to hear how Iowa owned Purdue. The Big Ten making this our rival in my eyes just solidified what I already felt. The seniors deserved better than this today.