David Blough completed 26 of 45 passes for 287 yards with a touchdown and an interception against the Wildcats.
EVANSTON, Ill. -- Northwestern keeps cutting it close, but the 24th-ranked Wildcats are still picking up victories.
Justin Jackson ran for 116 yards and a late touchdown, and Warren Long ran for two more TDs to lead Northwestern to a 21-14 victory over Purdue on Saturday.
With a school record for wins and a spot in a prestigious bowl in reach, Northwestern (8-2, 4-2 Big Ten, No. 18 CFP) pulled out another close game.
Jackson plowed in from the 2 with 4:37 remaining to cap a 58-yard drive.