Cats unimpressive, but get by Purdue 21-14

Northwestern Wildcats (1981 - Pres)

EVANSTON—Justin Jackson ran for 116 yards and a late touchdown, and Warren Long added two rushing TDs to lead No. 24 Northwestern to a 21-14 victory over Purdue on Saturday.With a school record for wins and a spot in a prestigious bowl in reach, Northwestern (8-2, 4-2 Big Ten, No. 18 CFP) pulled out another close game.Jackson plowed in from the 2 with 4:37 remaining to cap a 58-yard drive. The Wildcats converted four third downs, including the TD, on the possession and quarterback Clayton Thorson broke off back-to-back 16-yard runs to put the ball on the 5.Jackson’s TD lifted NU to its third straight win. The Wildcats beat Nebraska and Penn State in their last two games, both wins by two points.Purdue (2-8, 1-5) dropped its second straight and remained winless against ranked teams since 2011.