Markell Jones had a career day Saturday, and Monday, he reaped the rewards.
The Columbus East graduate, who rushed for 217 yards on 31 carries in Purdue’s 31-24 win against Indiana, was named the Big Ten Co-Offensive Player of the week.
The junior carried 22 times for 159 yards in the second half to help the Boilermakers (6-6) pull away from the Hoosiers (5-7). He shared the Co-Offensive Player of the Week award with Iowa’s Akrum Wadley.
The 217 yards by Jones are the fifth-most ever in the Old Oaken Bucket Game and the most by a Purdue player since Mike Alstott rushed for 264 yards in 1995. Jones’ 200-yard game is the first by a Boilermaker since Ralph Bolden ran for 234 yards against Toledo in 2009, which also was the last time a Purdue player won Big Ten Player of the Week honors.
Jones, who has been rounding into form after being injured in a season-opening loss to Louisville, now leads the Boilermakers with 480 yards on 92 carries. He has one touchdown run.
Purdue’s win snapped a four-game losing streak against IU and makes the Boilermakers bowl-eligible for the first time since 2012.
