Purdue’s Win at Notre Dame Is First Since ’74

Purdue’s Kyle Orton accomplished something that Drew Brees, Jim Everett and Mark Hermann never did -- win at Notre Dame.

Orton threw four touchdown passes, including a 97-yard strike to Taylor Stubblefield, and the No. 15 Boilermakers routed the Fighting Irish, 41-16, on Saturday for Purdue’s first victory at Notre Dame Stadium since 1974.

Orton completed 21 of 31 passes for 385 yards to help the Boilermakers (4-0) end a 13-game losing streak at Notre Dame (3-2). Purdue Coach Joe Tiller said it might have been Orton’s best game.

“I’m not surprised by what No. 18 can do any more,” Tiller said. “He does a great job and our team is following his talent.”

Orton, who has 17 touchdown passes with no interceptions, was asked if he thought his performance might help his Heisman Trophy chances.

“You guys keep bringing up the Heisman. I don’t have a vote on that,” he said.

The Irish certainly were impressed, though.

“He was unstoppable,” defensive end Justin Tuck said. “A lot of people say he is the leading candidate for the Heisman Trophy. He’s got my vote.”