BLOOMINGTON | Purdue defensive tackle Mike Neal finally got his hands on the Old Oaken Bucket.

While the Boilermakers won their rivalry game against Indiana last season, Neal said he had never touched the Old Oaken Bucket until after Purdue's 38-21 win Saturday in Memorial Stadium.

"I'm one of those people that when we win a football game, I want to get off the field," Neal said, "because I probably take the longest to get my pants off because I'm lazy."

After Saturday's win, however, the Merrillville grad wasn't in a huge hurry to leave the field after finishing his collegiate career.

"I was just realizing this was all over with," Neal said, "but it's bittersweet to walk off with the trophy."

Neal finished his career with his statistically his best game, totaling career highs in tackles (six) and tackles for a loss (2.5). He wasn't ready, though, to label it his best performance.

"Nope," Neal said. "Because I don't care about any production points. What I care about is being physical and disrupting the offense. In some ways, I feel did that, but I don't think technically it was one of my best games of the season. We won, so I don't really care."

It didn't take long for Neal to be disruptive against Indiana. On the third play from scrimmage, Neal and defensive end Ryan Kerrigan converged on Indiana quarterback Ben Chappell, with the latter forcing a fumble that was recovered by defensive tackle Kawann Short, an E.C. Central grad.

Purdue (5-7, 4-4 Big Ten) turned the miscue into points five plays later on Jaycen Taylor's 6-yard touchdown reception. The Boilermakers blocked a field goal on Indiana's next possession, and six plays later fullback Dan Dierking caught a 4-yard touchdown pass to give the Boilermakers a 14-0 lead.

The Hoosiers (4-8, 1-7) were threatening in the fourth quarter, trailing 31-21, and near midfield with just more than six minutes remaining.

Short, though, came up with an interception on a screen pass, which enabled Purdue to use more time off the clock and essentially seal the outcome.

"I saw the quarterback dropped back just five steps and he normally drops back seven steps," Short said. "Pretty much the line kept blocking so I knew it was a screen. The running back stood right by me and I just picked it off."

Short finished the game with four tackles, while being part in two of Purdue's four turnovers.

"I told (Neal) I wouldn't let him down today," Short said. "He's been a big mentor and it's been a real blessing playing beside him."

Neal will now focus on preparations for the NFL Draft. Purdue defensive line coach Terrell Williams said he guarantees Neal will be drafted.

"I think I've got a nice shot to go to the NFL," Neal said, "but just to come out the season a winner and healthy is the most important thing to me. Whatever God has planned for me I will accept it."

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Purdue 38, Indiana 21

Merrillville grad and Purdue senior Mike Neal had career high in tackles (six) and tackles for a loss (2.5).

More inside

Charlie Weis' job in serious jeopardy after Notre Dame loses to UConn. PAGE B8

Lowell grad David Lang's field goal allows Butler to win Pioneer Football League. PAGE B9

Valparaiso University ends miserable season with home defeat to Campbell. PAGE B9

Valpo High grad Tim Handlon and Yale lose heartbreaker to Harvard in "The Game". PAGE B9

Top-ranked Florida and No. 2 Alabama remain undefeated after easy victories. PAGE B9