WEST LAFAYETTE — It was a rocky start, but Purdue football responded.

After allowing consecutive 75-yard touchdown drives to start the game, the Boilermakers hunkered down, beating FCS No. 15 Southern Illinois 34-17 at Ross-Ade Stadium.

The Purdue offense was piloted by senior running back Devin Mockobee's 126 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

It's the first 2-0 start for Purdue since 2021.

Here's three takeaways after the Boilermakers improved to 2-0, making Barry Odom the first coach to win his first two games leading the Boilermakers since Cleo O'Donnell in 1916.

Purdue football's defense recovers

Southern Illinois quarterback DJ Williams engineered a 10-play, 75-yard drive, capping it with consecutive runs of 12 and 7 yards to start the game. After a Boilermaker scoring dri

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