Many Notre Dame students made the drive to West Lafayette, Ind., this weekend to cheer the Irish to a 38-10 victory over in-state rival Purdue.

Sophomore Michael Gills said he enjoyed the exciting atmosphere that an away game provides, even if it was a blowout victory.

“It was not as spirited as a home game in the Notre Dame student section but there was a lot more bonding between students because we were at an away game,” Gills said.

Sophomore Tom O’Brien also said he enjoyed the night game atmosphere at Purdue’s Ross-Ade Stadium.

“At the start of the game, the Purdue fans were really into it, as it was the biggest game of the year for them,” O’Brien said. “However, after it was clear the Irish were going to win, Ross-Ade Stadium quickly turned into a home game for Notre Dame, as many of the Purdue fans left early.”

Freshman Madeline Basil said she noticed the Purdue section was not as energetic and cohesive as Notre Dame’s student section.

“The Purdue students did not have as many cheers as we do, and the ones they did have were quite inappropriate,” she said. “In fact, it reminded me more of a high school game than a college football one, as students could stand wherever they pleased and did not pay as much attention to the action going on the field.”

O’Brien said many Purdue students he spoke with were not expecting a win.

“Purdue had a black out promotion for the students, so they were really excited to be in that kind of atmosphere,” he said. “I talked to some Purdue students before the game and they were expecting an Irish victory, as even they recognized Notre Dame as the superior team.”

Despite the chilly weather, Basil said she was pleased with her first Notre Dame away game experience.

“I was happy to see a good mix of Purdue and Notre Dame fans, and everyone seemed really excited to be a part of a night game,” Basil said.

Gills said the 150-mile trip to West Lafayette was worth watching the Irish play well.

“It was a great game to go to because Purdue is relatively close and the high number of Notre Dame fans that came out and supported their team,” Gills said. “It was an overall great game to watch the Irish play in.”