Greetings

Well, the Gophers spotted Purdue a 10-0 lead -- one obtained before Gophers quarterback Adam Weber had completed a pass -- but the Gophers came back, thanks to two big plays:

--Weber's long completion to Decker to the 1 that resulted in the first of DeLeon Eskridge's two TD runs, and;

--Lee Campbell's interception of Joe Elliott's pass intended for running back Ralph Bolden four plays into the ensuing drive. Campbell returned the ball 32 yards to the Purdue two, and the Gophers scored two plays later.

Those are two big plays that helped make up for some pretty inconsistent play on both sides of the ball.

Weber had a difficult first half. His first pass, a short crossing route to Troy Stoudermire on third-and-3 on the game's first drive was badly thrown. His second pass, deep over the middle to tight end Nick Tow-Arnett, floated high and was intercepted, resulting in a touchdown drive for the Boilermakers.

When the Gophers have a legitimate run threat, the play-action works. Witness the long pass to Decker. It came on a second-and-5 play, six plays into a drive that began with five runs. Immediately before the long bomb, Eskridge had run for 13 yards and Kevin Whaley had run for 5. On the long play the play-action fake froze the linebackers and quieted the rush.

Still, Weber has to play better. he was sacked three times. At least once came after he failed to make a quick read and get the ball out. On the Gophers' last first-half possession Weber took the long snap in the shotgun, then dropped the ball.

On defense the Gophers are struggling to get off the field on third down. Purdue gained 194 first-half yards. The Boilermakers converted on five of eight third-down plays, and many of those were on third-and-long plays. Defensive coordinator Kevin Cosgrove got more aggressive later in the half.

Having said all that, the Gophers are ahead at halftime.The team has done a good job of adjusting in the second half this season.