WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue turned the ball over five times to ruin the Boilermakers' Senior Day in Ross-Ade Stadium.

Linebacker Jimmy Hall set up 14 points with an interception and a fumble recovery, and the Wildcats beat Purdue 38-14 on Saturday. "It was just guys stepping up, getting forced fumbles, and I was just there at the right time," he said.

"We're just not in a situation right now to overcome four turnovers in the first half," said coach Darrell Hazell of Purdue (3-8, 1-6). "We are not doing the simple things like catching and throwing."

A victory against Illinois next Saturday would make the Wildcats (5-6, 3-4) bowl eligible.

The Wildcats took a 21-0 lead with 14:07 left in the second quarter when Tony Jones returned a short punt 64 yards for a score. Defensive end Deonte Gibson of Northwestern recovered a fumble at the Purdue 18 with 4:15 left in the half, setting up a 32-yard field goal by Jack Mitchell.

Associated Press