WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — — Quarterback Riley Leonard finally got Notre Dame’s offense going on Saturday.

He did it with his feet.

Leonard and Jeremiyah Love dominated the first half with strong rushing performances, leading No. 18 Notre Dame to a 66-7 defeat of Purdue for the worst loss in the Boilermakers’ 137-year history.

For Leonard, the big numbers weren’t as important as righting what went wrong in last week’s shocking loss to Northern Illinois.

“I couldn’t wait to get back on the field, to prove myself,” said Leonard, who finished with 100 yards rushing and three TDs on the ground — all in the first half and a personal best. “I just wanted another chance to get back on the field, so this game was important not only for me, but for the whole team.”

Be that as it may, it was such a great success that Leonard rested in the second half.

Notre Dame (2-1) collected 278 of its 362 yards rushing in the first two quarters. Led by Leonard and Love, the Irish rolled to their highest point total and largest margin of victory of the 88-game series. It was also Notre Dame’s highest point total since a 66-14 win over New Mexico in 2019.

Love had 11 carries for a career-best 109 yards, including a career-long 48-yard TD run.

Purdue (1-1) lost its ninth consecutive Shillelagh Trophy match.

This one was never really close.

“Of course the performance is a reflection of the preparation,” Ireland coach Marcus Freeman said. “We can’t assume that anyone is going to make that choice (to prepare). As a coach I have to keep pushing that message. It’s up to our players to make that decision. I believe it’s a mindset. That’s what I took with me last week.”

The offense got going on the fifth play when Love sprinted down the sideline for a 48-yard TD. Leonard made it 28-0 with TD runs of 3, 34 and 13 yards, and Notre Dame closed the half with two TDs in the final 92 seconds — a 34-yard interception return by Boubacar Traore and a 70-yard touchdown run from Jadarian Price made it 42-0 at halftime.

It matched Purdue’s largest halftime deficit since 2013, when Ohio State led 42-0. Freeman also worked on the Buckeyes’ staff that season.

“It was a lack of physicality, undisciplined eyes, undisciplined technique, missed tackles — you name it, any mistake we made, they capitalized on it,” Purdue coach Ryan Walters said. “That style, it’s not something I’ve really seen. I’m angry, I’m embarrassed. We’ve got to fix it and I will.”

Steve Angeli was the second of four quarterbacks to play for Notre Dame. He threw two TD passes in the second half, the first of the season by the Irish.

Leonard completed 11 of 16 passes with 112 yards through the air.

Purdue finished with 162 yards of total offense. Hudson Card was 11-of-24 passing for 124 yards and one TD, to go along with two interceptions.

The takeaway meal

Notre Dame: Freeman’s team wanted to show everyone that last weekend was just a misstep. If the Irish keep playing like this, they’ll prove it. Notre Dame is now 2-0 against Power Four opponents and their playoff aspirations remain intact.

Purdue: This game was ugly. The inexplicable 21-point surge in the final 2:10 of the first half had fans booing — and leaving — at halftime.

Precious victory

Notre Dame’s win may have come at a high price. Right guard Billy Schrauth and center Ashton Craig both needed help coming off the court after knee injuries appeared to be causing them. Neither played again, and Schrauth returned to the sideline on crutches.

Defensive lineman Jordon Botelho was stretchered off the field after appearing to injure his right leg and did not return.

Rocco Spindler took over for Schrauth, guard Pat Coogan replaced Craig at center and Traore replaced Botelho.

Next

Notre Dame: Hosts another Mid-American Conference opponent, Miami (Ohio), next Saturday.

Purdue: Makes its first road game of the season next Saturday, away to Oregon State.

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