Corum's Three TDs Highlight Michigan's Victory Over Purdue

Saturday, November 4

Ann Arbor, Mich.

7:30 PM

Michigan

9-0 , 6-0

Purdue

2-7 , 1-5

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

Purdue

Michigan

Blake Corum (Michigan Photography)

Corum's Three TDs Highlight Michigan's Victory Over Purdue

11/4/2023 11:32:00 PM | Football

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Site: Ann Arbor, Mich. (Michigan Stadium)
Score: #2 Michigan 41, Purdue 13
Records: U-M (9-0, 6-0 B1G), Purdue (2-7, 1-5 B1G)
Attendance: 110,245
Next U-M Event: Saturday, Nov. 11 -- at Penn State (State College, Pa.), Noon (TV: Fox)

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The No. 2-ranked University of Michigan football team racked up 445 yards of total offense in their 41-13 defeat of Purdue on Saturday night (Nov. 4) at Michigan Stadium.

Starring for the Wolverines was running back Blake Corum, who scored three rushing touchdowns in the win, bringing his season total to 16 and tying him for second all-time in Michigan history with 47 rushing TDs. He also added 47 total yards on 17 touches in another historic game.

Quarterback J.J. McCarthy and wide receiver Roman Wilson both recorded career games in Michigan's offensive explosion, with McCarthy totaling his second highest career game total in passing yards (335) and Wilson surpassing career highs in both receptions (nine) and receiving yards (143). The consistency of McCarthy and Wilson's connection led the Wolverines to record more than 11 more minutes of possession time than the Boilermakers.

Defensively, the Maize and Blue allowed Purdue to convert a mere one of 14 third downs, while holding them to only 269 total yards and 10 first downs in the game. Highlighting was defensive back Makari Paige, who recorded a career-high eight tackles.

Corum led the Wolverines to a torrent start, touching the ball eight times and scoring twice in the first quarter. His first touchdown, a two-yard rush, was preceded by a 37-yard reception along the away sideline by running back Donovan Edwards. Corum's second score was a three-yard run, set up by two McCarthy passes of 20 yards or more.

After picking the Boilermakers off twice a year ago, defensive back Will Johnson added yet another interception in this year's contest, his second off the season. A 26-yard return deep into Purdue territory set up a 30-yard James Turner field goal for, giving the Wolverines a 17-0 lead after the first quarter.

After another Turner field goal (31 yards), Purdue closed the half with two of their own, capitalizing on Michigan turnovers on special teams and on offensive downs. The Wolverines went into the break having held Purdue to only four first downs and holding a 20-6 lead.

Purdue and Michigan each kicked off the second half with a pair of punts, but the Wolverines found some separation on a 44-yard rushing touchdown by wide receiver Semaj Morgan -- his third career touchdown on just his first career rush. Morgan motioned left, took the handoff from McCarthy and used a burst of speed to rush the ball along the home sideline for the longest play of his career and a crucial score.

On their next drive, the Wolverines capitalized on a career-long punt return of 32 yards by Jake Thaw and a pair of McCarthy passes of more than 15 yards by adding yet another touchdown. Corum, on the second play of the fourth quarter, found the end zone for the third time with a three-yard carry, sending the Wolverines ahead by 28 points.

The Wolverines scored once more on a one-yard Edwards rush, sending Michigan beyond the 40-point threshold with less than five minutes remaining in the game. Crucial to the drive was a 35-yard connection through the air between McCarthy and Wilson. Purdue added a touchdown of its own, a 24-yard passing score with 18 seconds remaining in the game.

Michigan is on the road for its next two matchups, beginning next Saturday (Nov. 11) with a trip to State College, Pa., to face Penn State. The game is scheduled for a noon kickoff on Fox.