the painful loss. Michigan The Boilermakers fell to 3–5, losing by a close margin again, this time to the ninth-ranked Wolverines. In his first start QB Brandon Kirsch was effective throwing (172 yards) and running (81 yards), but 2 interceptions by QB Kyle Orton plus 2 missed FGs by Berin Lacevic proved fatal to the Boilermakers' upset bid. Purdue closed the margin to 2 with RB Jerod Void's TD run with 8 seconds left in the game, but then Michigan recovered the ensuing onside kick. WR Taylor Stubblefield had 11 catches for 104 yards for the Boilers in defeat. Northwestern The Boilermakers improved to 4–5 by running all over a young and undersized Wildcats' defense for a Joe Tiller-era record 407 yards. RBs Joey Harris and Brandon Jones combined to run for nearly 300 yards, while QB Brandon Kirsch completed 8 of his 10 passes for 144 yards and 2 TDs. Ohio State As with all of their 2002 losses, Purdue suffered its 6th of the season to eventual national champion Ohio State in excruciating fashion. It was a defensive struggle throughout, as the teams went into the half tied at 3 (Purdue' points were set up by a Niko Koutouvides interception). In the 4th quarter, Purdue took a 6–3 lead thanks to a Berin Lacevic field goal after a 58-yard pass to freshman WR Ray Williams. With less than 2 minutes remaining, the Buckeyes offense was given a short field after a Chris Gamble punt return. QB Craig Krenzel overcame a second down sack to complete a 3rd down and 14 pass to TE Ben Hartsock, setting up a 4th and 1 from Purdue's 36 yard line. Under a heavy blitz, Krenzel threw deep for WR Michael Jenkins who caught the ball over the outstretched arm of CB Antwaun Rogers for the winning TD. Purdue's final drive ended when 2-way player Chris Gamble intercepted a deep pass thrown by Kyle Orton, Orton's 3rd interception of the game. This game has been dubbed the "Holy Buckeye" game, named for the Brent Musburger call of the winning play. Michigan State Two teams desperate to remain in the hunt for a bowl selection played a wild game that featured 7 lead changes. In the end, Purdue (5–6) prevailed when QB Kyle Orton relieved an injured Brandon Kirsch on a late drive to throw a deep 4th down TD pass to WR John