The 'Tyler Trent Game' was three years ago. Can Purdue shock Ohio State again?
Three years ago, the Boilermaker stunned the then-second-ranked Buckeyes at Ross-Ade Stadium. Saturday is the first meeting between the programs since 2018
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Who doesn’t remember that magical night in Ross-Ade Stadium three years ago?
The Tyler Trent game. The stunning victory by Purdue over then-No. 2 Ohio State before a packed Ross-Ade Stadium and a national television audience. The build-up. The emotion. The satisfaction of numerous exclamation points throughout the fourth quarter – touchdowns by D.J. Knox and Rondale Moore and Markus Bailey’s pick-six – of the 49-20 victory over the Buckeyes.
George Karlaftis was in the stands and then rushed the field to join the celebration even before signing with Purdue.
“Crazy. Unbelievable,” said Karlaftis, now a star defensive end for the program. “Something not too many people expected but won’t forget.”
The Boilermakers and their fan base haven’t forgotten. Same for Ohio State and its passionate supporters. The setback had big ramifications for the Buckeyes, who didn’t make the College Football Playoff that season. They won the Big Ten championship and settled for a victory over Washington in the Rose Bowl.
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Three years later, the two programs face off for the first time since Trent – a Purdue student who became a national story due to his battle with cancer and prediction prior to kickoff the Boilermakers would upset Ohio State and shock the college football world.
And the stakes are just as high, especially for Ohio State, which needs to win out to claim one of the top four spots in the College Football Playoff. Purdue is already bowl eligible, looking to slay another giant and knock them out of the playoff picture. Iowa and Michigan State plummeted in the rankings after losing to the Boilermakers earlier this season.
But this year’s edition is looking to create its own magical moment, one that will resonate for years to come – similar to 2018. However, the surprise element is gone since Purdue has already upset a pair of top 5 teams and the Buckeyes are on high alert.
Ohio State hasn’t lost a Big Ten game since the loss to the Boilermakers – a streak of 24 straight.
“Everybody knows that was a big loss, an unexpected loss really,” OSU cornerback Sevyn Banks said. “We’ve got to get it right.”
A handful of players from both teams were on the field three years ago. Some played prominent roles. Others were backups but were caught in the rush of fans when the game ended.
“It was cool. It was a fun experience,” Purdue senior linebacker Jaylan Alexander said. “That was actually my fifth game and I burnt my redshirt. I was on the field the last couple of plays when everybody rushed and lights going off. It was a good experience.”
Jackson Anthrop called the experience “similar to a movie” with all the fireworks in the sky when the game ended.
“I think that was the first time I saw that,” Anthrop said. “Being able to see that is something you remember for the rest of your life.”
It wasn’t just game day that the Boilermakers came together three years ago. It was a week-long buildup where Anthrop saw the team grow closer with each day.
“Tyler and everybody wanted to win, and everyone came together,” Anthrop said. “You could feel the vibe was different that week and everybody worked. Everyone knocked out all the noise and we had a purpose. It was a great game. It’s going to be another challenge this season.”
A challenge the Boilermakers are ready to embrace. Just like winning at Iowa. Just like beating Michigan State last week at Ross-Ade Stadium. Both times, Purdue was unranked, adding to its legacy of pulling upsets.
“Just going out and playing ball with my teammates but this time, having a different role,” Alexander said. “I’m not a freshman; I’m a senior and I’m the lead of the defense. Now, I get to go there and make plays and do things to help my team win.”
Mike Carmin covers Purdue sports for the Journal & Courier. Email mcarmin@gannett.com and follow on Twitter and Instagram @carmin_jc