Marshall’s 3 TDs Lead No. 2 Michigan Past Purdue 21-16

**ANN ARBOR, MI – October 7, 2023** – Freshman sensation Jordan Marshall exploded for a career-high 185 rushing yards and three crucial touchdowns, carrying No. 2 Michigan to a hard-fought 21-16 victory over a determined Purdue squad at Michigan Stadium on Saturday. The Wolverines extended their impressive home winning streak to 20 games in front of a massive crowd of 109,291 fans.

Marshall, a true freshman making his presence felt in the Wolverines’ backfield, was the undisputed catalyst for Michigan’s offense. His powerful runs consistently moved the chains and provided the crucial scores needed to fend off a late Purdue rally.

“Jordan has been phenomenal in practice, and today he showed the nation what he’s capable of,” said Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh after the game. “He ran with purpose, broke tackles, and found the end zone when we needed it most. That’s a special performance from a young man.”

Marshall first broke free for a dazzling 35-yard touchdown scamper in the second quarter, pushing Michigan’s lead to 14-3 heading into halftime. He followed that with a gritty 2-yard touchdown plunge in the third quarter, extending the Wolverines’ advantage to 21-10 and seemingly giving Michigan comfortable breathing room.

While quarterback J.J. McCarthy added 243 yards through the air, completing several key passes to keep the Purdue defense honest, it was Marshall’s relentless ground attack that truly powered the Wolverines. His 185 yards marked a significant breakout performance and underscored Michigan’s commitment to a balanced, physical offensive identity.

Purdue, however, refused to fold. Led by quarterback Hudson Card, who threw for 271 yards, the Boilermakers clawed their way back into contention. Running back Devin Mockobee punched in a 1-yard touchdown with just under seven minutes left in the fourth quarter, narrowing Michigan’s lead to a tense 21-16.

The tension reached a fever pitch in the final minutes. Purdue mounted a final drive, pushing deep into Michigan territory. Facing a daring fourth-down conversion at the Michigan 40-yard line with only 1:44 remaining on the clock, the Wolverines’ vaunted defense rose to the occasion. Michigan’s defensive front, anchored by a strong pass rush, suffocated Card’s attempt, forcing an incompletion and effectively sealing the victory.

“We knew they weren’t going to quit, and our defense showed incredible resilience when it mattered most,” Harbaugh added. “That’s championship-level defense in a clutch situation.”

The hard-fought win improves Michigan’s perfect season record to 6-0 overall and 3-0 in Big Ten conference play, keeping them firmly in contention for the conference title and a College Football Playoff berth. Purdue, despite their valiant effort, falls to 2-4 for the season and 1-2 in the Big Ten, facing an uphill battle for bowl eligibility.

Michigan will look to continue its winning ways next Saturday, October 14, when they travel to Bloomington to face the Indiana Hoosiers. Purdue will return home to Ross-Ade Stadium to host the No. 6 Ohio State Buckeyes on the same day.

For full game statistics and post-game interviews, visit MGoBlue.com.

**Source:** Staff Report