The 1971 Purdue Boilermakers football team represented Purdue University during the 1971 Big Ten Conference football season. Led by second-year head coach Bob DeMoss, the Boilermakers compiled an overall record of 3–7 with a mark of 3–5 in conference play, placing in a three-way tie for sixth in the Big Ten. Purdue played home games at Ross–Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Indiana.

The Boilermakers were one of two Big Ten teams which did not play 11 regular season games, along with Ohio State, who played 10 regular season games for the first time in 1971. The NCAA approved an 11th regular season game effective for the 1970 season, but Big Ten faculty representatives and athletic directors did not allow the 11th game until this season.

Schedule

Game summaries Washington Otis Armstrong 19 rushes, 121 yards

Minnesota Gary Danielson 15/20 passing, 300 yards

Northwestern Otis Armstrong 30 rushes, 179 yards

Wisconsin Otis Armstrong 35 rushes, 155 yards

Roster

References