The real reason Purdue lost on Saturday.......

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- The Big Ten has suspended Purdue offensive guard Zach Reckman for Saturday's game against Notre Dame after it reviewed Reckman's late hit at the end of the Northern Illinois game.

Reckman dropped a right forearm on NIU's Sean Progar after Progar recovered a fumble and slid to end Purdue's final desperation play in the Huskies' 28-21 win. NIU's Alex Kube immediately pushed Reckman off Progar, but the situation did not escalate.

Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany said in a statement that Reckman's actions were unacceptable and could have triggered a larger incident.

Purdue coach Danny Hope said in a statement that Reckman made a mistake, and the team would have to live with the Big Ten's decision.