Friday night’s Purdue-Nevada game in Reno seemed just about over when the Boilermakers had a 31-14 lead in the the third quarter. Purdue entered the game as a double-digit favorite over the Wolf Pack, and the game was unfolding that way.
So it’s pretty incredible that the game ended by the score of 34-31, Nevada.
Nevada tied the game — after the extra point — with 52 seconds remaining on a great throw from freshman Carson Strong — who beat out Malik Henry of Last Chance U fame for the job — to Elijah Cooks on 3rd-and-10 from the 20.
Carson Strong leads the @nevadafootball comeback
TIE GAME @boilerfootball 31 @nevadafootball 31 pic.twitter.com/Hl70DFd4Rt
— CBS Sports Network (@CBSSportsNet) August 31, 2019
Purdue still had time to drive down and avoid a crushing loss, but quarterback Elijah Sindelar was picked off by Nevada defensive back Daniel Brown at midfield.
.@nevadafootball with a TAKEAWAY
Things are getting interesting in Reno pic.twitter.com/kY43dnkGnA
— CBS Sports Network (@CBSSportsNet) August 31, 2019
And still, it appeared Purdue would at least be able to get the game to overtime, with Nevada needing a 56-yard field goal from freshman kicker Brandon Talton to win the game in regulation.
Welp, Talton nailed it (after he missed on the first try… which was erased by Purdue head coach Jeff Brohm calling a timeout to “ice” the kicker… which may be the most overrated tactic in football):
🚨 WALKOFF 🚨
Freshman kicker Brandon Talton NAILS a 56 yard FG @nevadafootball 34 @boilerfootball 31 pic.twitter.com/XsonzfIOno
— CBS Sports Network (@CBSSportsNet) August 31, 2019
Incredible way to start the season for Nevada, and a brutal, heartbreaking way to start the season for Purdue.
About Matt Clapp
Matt is an editor/writer at The Comeback and Awful Announcing.
He can be reached by email at mclapp@thecomeback.com.