Purdue jumped out to a 24-0 lead in the first quarter and never looked back, coasting to a 45-17 win over Minnesota (1-5, 0-2 Big Ten) Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind. Purdue (3-2, 1-0 Big Ten) won its Big Ten opener for the fourth time in six years.
 
The Golden Gophers began their day with a three-and-out and a shanked 26-yard punt. It got worse from there.
 
Purdue’s defense forced three first-quarter turnovers, including an interception returned for a touchdown. With help from good field position, Purdue was able to amass its large first-quarter lead with just 96 yards of offense.
 
Minnesota’s biggest highlight of the game was a 91-yard kick return for a touchdown by freshman Marcus Jones midway through the third quarter.
 
Minnesota’s struggling offense scored a fourth-quarter touchdown, but continued to be hampered by poor quarterback play. MarQueis Grey and Max Shortell combined to go 10-for-23 passing for just 113 yards and an interception. Grey did have a rushing touchdown.
 
Purdue’s Caleb TerBush and Robert Marve managed the game going 18-for-27 passing for 155 yards and two touchdowns.
 
Purdue continued its dominance in the second half, opening up its lead to 31 with a 12-play 86-yard drive capped off by Akeem Shavers' second touchdown of the game. At that point, midway through the third quarter, Minnesota had just 92 total yards of offense.
 
Purdue has now won 11 of the last 14 between the two. Minnesota has struggled in all facets in conference play, getting outscored 103-17 two games.