Unranked Purdue shocks No. 2 Ohio State Saturday with a 44-21 home victory over the Buckeyes.
It was a storybook finish for the Purdue Boilermakers, especially when your team’s biggest fan is cheering on the sideline.
For 20-year-old Tyler Trent, this night meant everything.
Trent, is a Purdue student that is being treated for bone cancer and left hospice for a night to watch his Boilermakers. Three weeks ago, Trent shared on social media, “Though I may not be back in West Lafayette right now, I’m praying and hoping that the Lord will bring me back in the future, so I can see Purdue football beat Ohio State on Oct. 20.” Trent’s prayers were answered as he sat in his wheel chair decked out from head to toe in Purdue gear cheering from the sideline with his beloved team.
After losing their first three games of the season, Purdue adopted Trent as their honorary captain.
Purdue fans paid tribute to Trent just before kickoff. Every game, Purdue fans chant, “IU sucks” referencing their rival Indiana. On Saturday, fans chanted, “cancer sucks” in honor of Trent being in attendance. The support that the 20-year-old received was inspiring.
Ohio State was challenged at the start of the season when their head coach, Urban Meyers, was suspended for three games after a member of his coaching was accused of domestic violence and the team’s offensive coordinated, Ryan Day stepped in. The Buckeyes made it through difficult games early in the season, but they were not prepared for unranked Purdue.
With the odds against them, Purdue took charge.
Nearly everything Purdue did, was a success. While nearly everything Ohio State attempted, failed. The stars were beginning to align for the Purdue Boilermakers after the first quarter with a 10-7 lead over the Buckeyes. The atmosphere in the stadium was electric.
With their honorary captain, Trent on the sideline, the team lead Ohio State through out the entire game. The Ohio State Buckeyes were no match against the Purdue team or their energized fans.
Thank you, Tyler Trent for inspiring all of us to continue cheering for our team, no matter the odds.