Purdue Football loses to Oregon State for the second year in a row

The Boilermakers have found a way to lose in so many competitive games.

Saturday night in Corvallis, Oregon, was reminiscent of many games last season.

Costly ball losses. Problems on the third and fourth attempts. Mistakes at the right time.

They were all factors in Purdue's 38-21 loss to Oregon State at Reser Stadium.

Purdue football team's offensive problems take their toll against Oregon State

The Boilermakers couldn't have asked for a better start. Oregon State risked a fourth down on the fourth play of the comeback and a try inside their own 30. Purdue's defense stopped the attack and made the field short.

More: Purdue Football vs. Oregon State – Live Updates and Highlights: Boilermakers trail 31-14 in 4th quarter

Four plays later, Devin Mockobee fumbled inside the 10 and the Beavers recovered the ball. Purdue's second drive began with a swing pass that deflected and bounced off Reggie Love's leg right into the waiting arms of Zakaih Saez, who scored an easy pick-six.

In the first half, Purdue stalled on two drives in the red zone and scored zero points.

Max Klare’s 32-yard touchdown catch was the only memorable offensive highlight of the first half.

The Boilermakers were missing their best receiver, Jahmal Edrine, but that's no excuse for another lackluster performance against a team that had just as much talent.

Purdue defense shows clear progress

After what had happened against Notre Dame seven days earlier, things could only get better for the Boilermakers.