WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- After losing back-to-back home games to Western Michigan and to Illinois State to begin the 2016 season, Northwestern knew it would be pressed to qualify for a bowl game.But including Saturdays 45-17 victory at Purdue, the Wildcats (5-5, 4-3 Big Ten) are within one victory of bowl eligibility, having carved their path by posting a 3-1 record in conference road games.In addition to Purdue, they also have won at Iowa and at Michigan State.Clayton Thorson passed for a career-best 352 yards and three touchdowns, and Northwestern scored 31 second-half points on its way to an easy victory at Purdue (3-7, 1-6), which has lost five in a row by an average margin of 21.2 points.Thorson, who also ran for a touchdown, completed 23 of 36 passes, including five for 92 yards and two touchdowns to wide receiver Austin Carr, who tied the school single-season record with 12 TD receptions.Every time we came out in the second half, we were just licking our chops to get another good drive going, Carr said. We were clicking on all cylinders. And of course, a bowl is a huge motivator. We viewed these last three games as a three-game playoff.Austin Jackson rushed 22 times for 127 yards and a touchdown, and John Moten IV had 16 carries for 119 yards, marking the first time since Sept. 14, 2013 against Western Michigan that two Northwestern backs rushed for more than 100 yards in the same game.The receivers were getting open, but the offensive line was playing really well, Thorson said. There were only one or two times that I was rushed to even make a throw.Thorsons third touchdown pass -- a 42-yarder to Garrett Dickerson on the first play after an interception by linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. -- gave Northwestern a 28-10 lead with 11:13 remaining in the third quarter. The Wildcats steadily pulled away.Finishing with 605 yards of offense, Northwestern outscored Purdue 31-7 during the final 30 minutes.We didnt start the way we wanted, obviously, but you need to credit Purdue for that, Wildcats coach Pat Fitzgerald said. We knew we would get a fast start from them. We talked about the first series of the second half being really important. Obviously, depth is important, especially when you see a couple of their defensive starters out.Northwestern spotted Purdue a 10-0, first-quarter lead, then scored the opening halfs final 14 points to lead 14-10 through 30 minutes. Purdue lost its fifth in a row.The Wildcats extended their lead to 21-10 on Justin Jacksons 14-yard touchdown run, capping a seven-play, 71-yard drive.We certainly are not happy with the second half result, Purdue interim coach Gerad Parker said. This isnt what the Purdue football program should be about, especially in our home stadium.Purdue quarterback David Blough completed 21 of 36 passes for 184 yards and a touchdown, but he was intercepted three times, setting up 17 Northwestern points.I simply missed my spot on the first interception, Blough said. Thats the frustrating part, and they capitalized. It hurts. All three of my turnovers led to points. We have not executed well, and it seems to happen at the same point in games. We have been in positions to have success in the second half, and we have not done it.TAKEAWAYS:Northwestern: Needing two victories in their final three games to become bowl eligible, the Wildcats scored touchdowns on each of their first four second-half drives and pulled away from the struggling Boilermakers. Northwestern gained 557 yards during the first three quarters.Purdue: Playing without their two best defenders -- Jake Replogle (concussion) and JaWhaun Bentley (leg) -- the Boilermakers defense was no match for Northwesterns balanced offense and fell to 0-15 in November games during the four most recent seasons.UP NEXT:Northwestern: The Wildcats travel to Minnesota on Nov. 19 for their final Big Ten road game.Purdue: The Boilermakers will play host to No. 7 Wisconsin on Nov. 19 in their final Big Ten home game.Air Force One Suomi . The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the Lions have not announced the hiring, which was first reported by ESPN. Lombardi, the grandson of former Green Bay Hall of Fame coach Vince Lombardi, has been an offensive assistant on Sean Paytons New Orleans staff since 2007. Nike Air Force 1 Tukku . -- Golden State Warriors coach Mark Jackson asked his players a simple question during Fridays morning shootaround: How many of them had ever been on a team 14 games over . http://www.airforce1suomi.com/air-force-1-off-white.html .com) - Following a late-game loss to the reigning NBA champs, the Toronto Raptors will look to sustain their recent high-level play as they travel to Indiana to take on the Pacers. Air Force 1 Just Do It Suomi . - Chris Tierney snapped a tie with a power-play goal late in the third period as the London Knights rallied from a 3-0 deficit to beat the Erie Otters 5-3 in Ontario Hockey League action on Wednesday. Nike Huarache Naiset . In Europe, top teams seem to be largely happy with their squads after spending nearly $1 billion in the off-season. And although English league clubs are unlikely to splash cash in January, Arsenal and Chelsea could be tempted to strengthen their squads with new strikers.BOSTON -- Dwyane Wade and the new-look Chicago Bulls put their perfect start on the line when they visit the Boston Celtics in an early season rematch Wednesday night.Last week in Chicago, the Bulls (3-0) scored a 105-99 victory over the Celtics (2-1) as Jimmy Butler scored 24 points and Wade, playing his first game after signing with his hometown team during the offseason, added 22. Taj Gibson posted 18 points and 10 rebounds.The Bulls, who have seven new players on the roster, defeated the Indiana Pacers at home Saturday and easily downed the Nets in Brooklyn on Monday night.We only played a little bit together in the preseason, so were still learning each other right now, Wade said Monday. Were only three games in but we see it looking good.At times, were just out there and were feeling very comfortable and everybody, defensively, on the floor trusts each other. And thats rare early in the season for a team that hasnt played together, but were vocal. Everyone is vocal, everyone is talking to each other and communicating, so that goes a long way.The loss in Chicago was the only one for Boston in three games as it hung on to defeat the Nets in its home opener and won at Charlotte on Saturday night. The Celtics played the first two games without the injured Marcus Smart (ankle) and Kelly Olynyk (shoulder). Smart is returning for this game.The Celtics were beaten on the boards and on the perimeter in Chicago, and Smart -- a key asset in both -- will help.Marcus is a good rebounder, generally, and hes good at blocking out, Boston coach Brad Stevens said. We were a little bit better (rebounding) against Charlotte, but we still have a long way to do.dddddddddddd Weve got to get better and well be tested in that regard again on Wednesday.While Smart returns, Avery Bradley, who scored a career-high 31 (career-best eight 3-pointers and 11 rebounds) at Charlotte, was doubtful because of right shoulder soreness hes been battling since training camp. He is second on the team with 21.3 points per game and first in rebounding at 8.7.Hes been getting extra treatment on it and everything else, Stevens said Tuesday. For whatever reason, it was a little bit more sore today.One new Bull the Celtics will have to deal with Wednesday is former Celtic Rajon Rondo, who is on his fourth team in the last three seasons. The point guard is averaging 6.7 points, 8.7 assists, 4.3 rebounds and 3.0 turnovers this season.Its a trickle-down effect. Its contagious, Rondo says. It starts with the point guard. Im passing the ball, Michael (Carter-Williams) is doing the same. D-Wade is an unselfish player. Jimmy wants to make plays for the next guy.Rondo was 1-for-9 from the floor against Boston last week, but contributed nine assists, six rebounds and two steals. He is averaging 13.0 points, 9.5 assists and 5.0 rebounds in four games versus the Celtics.The Celtics will be without center Al Horford, who was placed in the NBAs concussion protocol following a hit to the head during Mondays practice.Horford is suffering from concussion symptoms after being hit in the head Monday during practice, the Celtics announced Wednesday. ' ' '