Jordan Marshall’s 3 TDs lifts Michigan Football to victory vs Purdue

SB Nation

The Michigan Wolverines came back home to the Big House to take on the Purdue Boilermakers. It wasn’t pretty, but led by Jordan Marshall’s three touchdowns, the Wolverines went into the bye week with all their

goals still ahead of them.

Here’s how it all went down.

First Quarter

Purdue picked up two first downs on its opening possession, but the drive eventually stalled as Derrick Moore came up with a sack on third down to force a punt. After Michigan’s offense came up empty, Moore continued to wreak havoc on Purdue’s next possession by recording another sack and forcing a fumble that was recovered by Rayshaun Benny.

The Wolverines’ offense finally showed some signs of life on their third possession, putting together a quick two-play, 79-yard drive to take a 7-0 lead with 1:25 remaining in the first quarter. Bryce Underwood threw a screen pass to Jordan Marshall for a 25-yard gain on first down, then Marshall took a 54-yard touchdown to the house on the very next snap.

End of Q1: Michigan 7, Purdue 0

Second Quarter

Purdue certainly didn’t go down without a fight, answering with a 16-play, 75-yard drive that lasted nearly 10 minutes. Antonio Harris scored from two yards out to get Purdue on the scoreboard and tie it 7-7 with 6:55 left in the quarter. Michigan had a chance to force a field goal, but Jyaire Hill’s pass interference in the end zone gave Purdue a first down.

It appeared the Wolverines were going to take the lead right back, but Underwood was picked off by Hudauri Hines in the red zone for Underwood’s third interception of the season. After a defensive stop and a poor punt by Purdue, Michigan forged ahead as Underwood found Marlin Klein for 10 yards, followed by Marshall scoring a three-yard touchdown to seize a 14-7 lead at halftime.

HALFTIME: Michigan 14, Purdue 7

Third Quarter

Michigan was hoping to start the second half with a scoring drive to create some separation, but the offense sputtered once again, failing to pick up a first down and being forced to punt. Purdue took advantage by going on a 10-play, 35-yard drive but the Wolverines’ defense stepped up when it desperately needed to, holding the Boilermakers to a 50-yard field goal.

Unfortunately for Michigan fans, the offense’s abysmal performance continued as Underwood fumbled the ball through the end zone on the ensuing possession. The Wolverines picked up multiple first downs — including Underwood connecting with Zack Marshall for a 37-yard reception on a trick–play — but the fumble ruined a golden opportunity to extend the lead.

End of Q3: Michigan 14, Purdue 10

Fourth Quarter

The biggest play of the game came on the first snap of the fourth quarter, as Benny came up with a big-time tackle to force a turnover on downs and set the Wolverines up with great field position. Michigan took advantage of the defensive stop, going on a nine-play, 50-yard drive — capped off by Marshall scoring his third touchdown of the night to go up 21-10.