Purdue's Comeback Bid Ends in Heartbreak Against Wake Forest
Purdue mounted a late fourth-quarter comeback, erasing a 10-point deficit, but ultimately fell 38-36 to Wake Forest. The Boilermakers had a chance to win on their final possession but failed to reach the end zone. The loss extends Purdue's losing streak against Power 4 conference and Notre Dame opponents to 21 games.
The Boilermakers trailed by double digits in the fourth quarter before rallying to tie the game at 36, but the Demon Deacons held on for the two-point victory at Ross-Ade Stadium. Quarterback Ryan Browne led the late surge, though the final drive stalled short of the end zone, sealing the defeat.
The result marks the 21st consecutive loss for Purdue against Power 4 conference programs and Notre Dame, a streak that continues to define the program's struggles against top-tier competition. The narrow margin offered some encouragement, but the outcome extends a difficult stretch for the Boilermakers.
This loss could deepen concerns among Purdue fans and alumni about the program's competitiveness against stronger opponents, potentially affecting recruiting perceptions and season-ticket enthusiasm. The narrow margin may offer some reassurance that the team is improving, but the extended losing streak could weigh on morale and media coverage of the program as the season progresses.