As Coach Joe Tiller told the announcers this past week, the football game at Northwestern, was a “must win” to be considered bowl eligible with just a handful of games left this season. The Boilermakers, 0-2 in Big Ten play would have their work cut out for them; Northwestern is actually having a good season, not to mention it was homecoming in Evanston.

Although there was quite a cheering section for the black and gold, it didn’t help quarterback Curtis Painter succeed, who was replaced with second string Joey Elliott. Elliott is turning into a student section favorite, and was marching down the field until a shoulder injury forced him on the sidelines and Painter to come back out. Although Painter was able to finish Elliott’s downfield march for a touchdown, it wouldn’t be nearly enough to overtake the Wildcats.

The Boilers left Evanston with a 48-26 loss, an 0-3 qa3we in conference play, and taking four straight losses back to West Lafayette. With Homecoming against Minnesota this weekend, the Boilermakers are hoping (and praying) to make a comeback with a big win. Boiler up!