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Purdue opened their 2026 season on Friday night in dominating fashion, defeating Indiana State 44-19.  The Boilermakers had a miniscule 16-6 lead at halftime, but outscored the Sycamores 21-0 in the third quarter and never looked back.  KICKOFF SPECIAL: START YOUR ANNUAL VIP SUBSCRIPTION FOR 75% OFF YOUR FIRST YEAR Offensive MVP: Ryan Browne. The Purdue quarterback was efficient and calculated throughout the night, going 23-of-29 for 317 yards and three touchdowns. That included scoring strikes to Chauncey Magwood (6 yards), Tra'Mar Harris (7 yards), and Asaad Waseem (18 yards).  Defensive MVP: Don Saunders. Last season, Purdue's defense had major issues creating turnovers. The Utah transfer got the Boilers off on the right foot with a pick-six that covered 35-yards in the fourth quarter that put Purdue up 44-6. Saunders also recorded three tackles and 0.5 tackles for loss.  It was over when: Tra'Mar Harris went up and snagged a pass from Ryan Browne for a 7-yard touchdown to put Purdue up 30-6 with 8:28 remaining in the third quarter. Purdue's defense forced the Sycamores to a three-and-out on the previous series. It was the second touchdown for the Boilers in their many possessions of the second half and one that was knockout blow for Indiana State.  Notes: - Starting left tackle Joey Tanona was not in the starting lineup and did not play. He was injured late in fall camp.  - Purdue's starting OL consisted of Nuku Mafi at left tackle, Brock Brownfield at left guard, Boaz Stanley at center, Micah Banuelos at right guard, and Jude McCoskey at right tackle.  - Minnesota transfer Fame Ijeboi asserted himself as Purdue's main option at running back after rushing for 87 yards on 11 carries (7.9 ypc) with one touchdown while hauling in two catches for 30 yards.  - True freshman kicker Jacob Echeverria Lozano made the first field goal of his career, a 39-yarder to cap off the Boilers first drive of the game. He finished 3-for-3 on the night (39, 25, 23) and connected on all five of his extra point attempts.  - Asaad Waseem, a transfer wide receiver from Florida Atlantic, was a big-play weapon in the passing game for Purdue, hauling in six catches for 107 yards that included an 18-yard touchdown.  - Illinois linebacker transfer Jojo Hayden was a co-leader in tackles with 5 that included 1 TFL.  - FIU transfer Mister Clark also tallied 5 tackles to go along with 1 sack and 2 tackles for loss.  - In all, Purdue's defense had 8 tackles for loss and 3 sacks. Showing a more aggressive approach in the second half.  Next up for Purdue will be another home tilt with Wake Forest on Saturday, September 12th at 12 p.m. EST. The game will be broadcast on FS1.