Purdue football blows out Indiana State: 3 things we learned from Boilers' 1-0 start

WEST LAFAYETTE − All those newcomers Purdue football brought in after a 4-8 season appear to be an upgrade.

At least after one game.

The Boilermakers rode a record-breaking performance from quarterback Hudson Card to a 49-0 win over Indiana State at Ross-Ade Stadium on Saturday.

Purdue grades vs. Indiana State: Boilermakers dominate in every phase

Several new faces played a major part in Purdue's season-opening victory.

Here's three things we learned from the Boilers victory over the Sycamores.

Purdue's added weapons

Yes, it was Indiana State, a struggling FCS team coming off a one-win season.

But it's hard to go 24-for-25 passing without a defense and that's where Card's Purdue record day concluded when he left in the third quarter.

The Boilermakers said they'd get him more weapons. Card's four touchdowns went to four different receivers, who all scored their first points at Purdue: Max Klare and Jaron Tibbs, who both returned, plus Georgia transfer De'Nylon Morrissette and Fullerton College transfer Leland Smith.

More: Drew Brees 'excited' for Hudson Card to extend Purdue's Texas QB legacy

Room for improvement

It's hard to nitpick in a game like this, but we will.

Purdue had some penalties that don't cost you against an inferior opponent like Indiana State.

The shutout was also aided by an overthrow of a wide open receiver in the end zone and a missed Indiana State field goal.

The nice thing for Purdue is it has two weeks to get better before hosting Notre Dame .

Purdue's defense dominates

Yes, Indiana State had a near touchdown pass and was able to move the ball at times, namely with the scrambling ability of quarterback Elijah Owens. But overall, the Sycamores were scoreless and totaled just 154 yards of offense.

After last season, that's a massive upgrade. And, by the way, Will Heldt (7 tackles, 3 TFL, 1 sack) is as good as advertised.

Sam King covers sports for the Journal & Courier. Email him at sking@jconline.com and follow him on Twitter and Instagram @samueltking.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Purdue football blows out Indiana State: 3 things we learned from Boilers' 1-0 start