Notre Dame defeated Purdue, 23-12, in the first game of the Brian Kelly era. The new Irish coach, who replaced Charlie Weis last December, debuted a
spread offense and a 3-4 defense.

Quarterback Dayne Crist, in his first career start for the Irish, completed 19 of 26 passes for 205 yards and a touchdown.

The Irish scored midway through the first quarter when Armando Allen went 22 yards for a touchdown. The Irish finished the first
half scoring when Ruffer connected on a 46-yard field with Notre Dame on top 13-3.

Crist connected on a touchdown pass to freshman TJ Jones early in the third quarter to put the Irish up, 20-3. Purdue countered with an 85-yard drive, but
quarterback Robert Marve's pass near the end zone was intercepted.

Marve, in his first start for Purdue, hit on 31 of 42 passes for 220 yards but suffered two crucial interceptions.

Allen was the leading rusher for the Irish with 93 yards on the ground as well as an electrifying 38 yard punt return. The Irish had 358
yards of total offense and gave up only 102 rushing yards.