Editor’s note: This story was originally published Sept. 17.

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue coach Joe Tiller has tutored some of the most prolific passing attacks in the history of college football.

The CMU football team’s depleted secondary discovered first-hand Saturday just what kind of offensive attack Tiller and the Boilermakers possess. Purdue senior quarterback Curtis Painter threw for 360 yards and three touchdowns to lead the team to a 45-22 win.

“I think the same thing I did coming in here. (Painter) is a great football player,” said CMU coach Butch Jones. “He’s very accurate, he’s got a good touch, he’s got great arm strength. And he’s got great command of the offense.”

The Chippewas (1-2 overall, 1-0 Mid-American Conference) played without senior strong safety Curtis Cutts and backup E.J. McLaughlin in the secondary, both of whom suffered injuries during CMU’s win last week against Toledo.

The injuries forced cornerback Eric Fraser to start at safety alongside sophomore Calvin Hissong. But Fraser was injured early in the second half and was replaced by sophomore Kirkston Edwards.

Two of Painter’s three touchdowns came in the second half.

“I’m not using it as a crutch or using it as an excuse, but when you’re playing 30 freshmen and sophomores, everything is a learning experience,” Jones said.

The Boilermakers opened the game with a 74-play drive that ended when sophomore defensive back Chaz West stripped Purdue receiver Dorien Bryant on the 2-yard line. CMU linebacker Tim Brazzel fell on the ball to give CMU its first turnover of the season.

CMU’s defense went on to force four more turnovers in the game, including three fumbles and one interception off a trick play.

“We can’t turn the ball over that much week-in and week-out and be successful,” Tiller said. “We were lucky we were so dominant early in the game because it allowed us to distance ourselves – who knows how it would have gone otherwise.”

Despite a late comeback by Central, a 31-0 halftime deficit was too much to overcome. After Purdue tailback Jaycen Taylor broke his arm after scoring in the first quarter, Kory Sheets took over and rushed for 150 yards and two touchdowns.

The Chippewas held Purdue to two touchdowns in the second half and began their comeback effort in the third quarter.

Senior wide receiver Justin Gardner caught his first touchdown pass of the season for CMU’s second touchdown on a 14-yard pass from sophomore quarterback Dan LeFevour.

After two fumbles by junior tailback Ontario Sneed, junior Justin Hoskins scored the other two touchdowns for CMU. Hoskins scored on a 15-yard screen pass and on a 1-yard run to give CMU its third touchdown in the fourth quarter.

Central got within two scores (38-22) as LeFevour connected with junior wide receiver Joe Bockheim on the ensuing two-point conversion. Purdue answered on its next drive, however, as Painter hit Selwyn Lymon for a 5-yard touchdown with 9:07 remaining in the fourth quarter.

Jones said he was pleased with the team’s effort in the second half, but said it must learn to come out ready to play.

“There are no moral victories – we lost the football game,” he said. “What I hope is our kids finally hit home about how we’re going to play football. I thought we played the way we’re capable of playing in the second half, but it was too late.”

sports@cm-life.com

E-mail the author: Daniel Monson