In the first half, MSU played complementary football, scoring on each of its first four drives and leading 24-3. Then, as the temperature dropped, rain started to fall and Spartan Stadium emptied out, the Spartans fell flat.

MSU slowed its first-half effectiveness as the game went on. Sophomore quarterback Aidan Chiles couldn’t find the open man and the rushing attack — which was yielding results — was quickly stifled. 

"It’s just disappointing to come out and play like we’ve never played football before," Chiles said. "But obviously we won the game, so a win is a win."

On the opposite sideline, Purdue's passing attack blossomed. Led by senior quarterback Hudson Card, the Boilermakers constantly took advantage of MSU's injured secondary, particularly on third down. This ability to keep drives moving played dividends for Card and company, who stayed in the fight until the finish.

As the Boilermakers crept down the field late, they went 3-for-5 on third downs in the fourth quarter. One of the two MSU stops came when it mattered most. 

With six minutes left down 24-17, the Boilermakers' nine-game losing streak was theirs to end. But Purdue wide receiver dropped what would have been a walk-in touchdown, and Purdue failed to convert on fourth down to seal the game. 

While the good and the bad was on display for both teams, one aspect separated Purdue and MSU: sustained blocks.

Purdue's ability to run the football — which the team has relied on all season — was shut down all night against MSU. At halftime, the Boilermakers had -7 yards rushing and finished with -4. The Spartans penetrated the line from start to finish.

It was the second quarter when MSU's rush defense really blossomed. On a first down at MSU's 36-yard line, Purdue running back Dillon Mockobee took the handoff and was instantly met in the backfield by senior defensive end Khris Bogle. Upon being hit, Mockobee fumbled the football and MSU recovered, giving the Spartans ideal field possession. Following this fumble, MSU turned defense into offense on a two-yard touchdown run by junior running back Nate Carter. This sequence quickly shifted the game's momentum and led to MSU's 21-point lead it almost squandered. 

Purdue's pass protection was more consistent against one of the worst pressure defenses in college football. On most dropbacks, Card was given enough time to read through his progressions and find the open man, resulting in an aerial assault that MSU struggled to stop. 

While Card had time on most passes, an occasional Spartan pressure shook up Purdue's offensive line. For the first time since Sept. 21, MSU sacked an opposing quarterback. It finished Friday night with three sacks. 

"We came out fast and we came out physical, but we just have to finish the game," senior linebacker Jordan Turner said. "Since they could only throw on us, we had to be able to get to the quarterback, and we did. So it’s nice to get that out of the way."

MSU's offensive line created holes for its backs and allowed Chiles time to make plays downfield. In contrast to Purdue's night in the trenches, MSU ran 38 times for 134 yards and one touchdown. Sixth year running back Kay’Ron Lynch-Adams toted 18 carries for 85 yards. 

"I hope they build some confidence, because we put confidence in them to win the game up front, and they got it done," MSU head coach Jonathan Smith said.

With a late lead in a rainy and cold atmosphere, the Spartans had just enough juice to remain in conversations for a bowl appearance. Now 5-6, the Spartans need one more win to become bowl eligible. Their final game is against Rutgers next Saturday, Nov. 30 at Spartan Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.