A mostly ineffective Caleb TerBush delivered when it mattered most.

TerBush completed a 35-yard touchdown pass to Antavian Edison with 49 seconds left in the fourth quarter as host Purdue rallied to defeat Middle Tennessee, 27-24, Saturday at Ross-Ade Stadium.

The Blue Raiders, who lost their fourth straight game against a Big Ten opponent, had a chance to send the game to overtime in the closing seconds, but Alan Gendreau’s 47-yard field goal attempt was blocked by Ricardo Allen as time expired.

Purdue, which trailed 14-10 at the half, won its eighth straight home opener and improved to 4-5 against non-conference opponents under coach Danny Hope.

But this one didn’t come easy.

The Boilermakers were sloppy throughout. They committed 10 penalties for 80 yards and turned the ball over twice. TerBush, thrust into the starting quarterback role due to injuries to starters Rob Henry and Robert Marve, completed 19-of-33 passes for 219 yards, two touchdowns and an interception.

He was pulled for a series late in the third quarter but responded well in the fourth, leading Purdue on a pair of touchdown drives.

Middle Tennessee led 24-20 when Purdue took over at its own 15-yard line with 5:57 left. Then TerBush led the Boilermakers on an 11-play, 85-yard scoring drive.

Logan Kilgore threw for 329 yards and two touchdowns for the Blue Raiders, who lost their seventh straight season opener.


Purdue’s Ralph Bolden led all rushers with 121 yards on 17 carries.


Middle Tennessee outgained Purdue 460-416.