The Darrell Hazell regime at Purdue had already had a number of "turning point" games. After 26 games Hazell is 5-21 (but with a spotless 3-0 record against the FCS!) and his team has failed to garner that elusive signature victory despite plenty of chances:
- Right from the beginning Purdue had a chance by taking on a good Cincinnati team at home. The boilers played a competitive first half, but a missed field goal and late TD by the Bearcats had them up 14-7. Purdue went on to lose 42-7, mostly because he had the ball for about five offensive snaps in between three straight scoring drives.