The rise and fall of Purdue football over the last 20 years or so can often be measured against Minnesota. Since 1997 the Golden Gophers have been a fairly steady program. They have been to 14 bowl games in that time, showing that they are regularly a middle tier program. Purdue has been to 12 in that time, with Minnesota currently on a 5-year bowl streak and Purdue on a 4-year bowl-less streak. The Gophers haven’t won the Big Ten since 1967, while Purdue has a single conference title in that time.
Purdue has had higher highs and lower lows, however.