Ep 3. 1999 Notre Dame at Purdue

In season 1 episode 3 of The Big Ten's Greatest Games: Football, viewers are taken back to the year 1999 for the showdown between Notre Dame and Purdue. This highly anticipated game was played on November 6, 1999 in West Lafayette, Indiana, and it will go down in history as one of the most thrilling college football games of all time.

The episode begins with an introduction to both teams and their respective records leading up to the game. Notre Dame was sitting at a respectable 5-2, while Purdue was on a hot streak at 6-2. Both teams were looking for a win to keep their respective bowl game hopes alive.

As the game begins, viewers are quickly introduced to the playmaking abilities of Purdue quarterback Drew Brees. Brees, who would later go on to become an NFL superstar, was a force to be reckoned with on the field. He quickly led Purdue down the field, putting the Boilermakers in position to score.

Notre Dame, however, was not going to go down without a fight. Led by quarterback Jarious Jackson, Notre Dame quickly responded with a touchdown of their own. The game was now tied at 7-7, and it was clear that this was going to be a back-and-forth battle.

Throughout the first half, both teams continued to trade blows. Notre Dame would score, and then Purdue would respond with a touchdown of their own. By halftime, the score was tied at 21-21, and it was anyone's game.

As the second half began, the intensity of the game only continued to grow. Both teams were making key plays and fighting hard for every yard.

One of the standout moments of the game occurred in the fourth quarter when Purdue's Vinny Sutherland returned a punt for a touchdown, putting the Boilermakers up by a touchdown with just over five minutes left in the game. It looked like the game was slipping away from Notre Dame, but they were not ready to give up just yet.

With time running out, Notre Dame drove down the field, and with just seconds left on the clock, Jackson connected with Malcolm Johnson for a dramatic game-tying touchdown. The extra point was good, and the game was headed to overtime.

In overtime, both teams continued to battle it out. Purdue had a chance to win the game with a field goal, but Notre Dame blocked the kick. Notre Dame then had a chance to win the game themselves, but their field goal attempt went wide.

Finally, on Notre Dame's second possession in overtime, Jackson found Johnson once again for the game-winning touchdown. The Notre Dame sideline erupted in celebration as they pulled off the thrilling 28-24 victory over a tough Purdue team.

The episode concludes with a recap of the key moments and players from the game. It's clear that this game will go down in history as one of the greatest college football games of all time, and viewers are left with a newfound appreciation for the passion and intensity that these players bring to the field every game.