Why John Lowdermilk chose not to score a touchdown

WEST LAFAYETTE. Ind. – John Lowdermilk's second interception of the fourth quarter, in the final minute of the game, looked like it would become his first career touchdown.

Iowa's senior strong safety could have walked into the end zone. He slid down at the Purdue 33 instead.

"I didn't want to drop it at the 1," Lowdermilk said with a smile.

Lowdermilk had a 72-yard interception for a touchdown against LSU in the Outback Bowl in January. But a review of the play showed he dropped the ball a yard before crossing the goal line.

That was an accident. On Saturday, Lowdermilk deliberately denied himself a score.

"Obviously I wanted a touchdown, especially after last year," Lowdermilk said. "But I respect (Purdue coach Darrell) Hazell and his staff so much, because they gave me an opportunity when they were at Kent State."

Hazell, who recruited Lowdermilk out of Carrolton, Ohio, is in his second season at Purdue.

"This would have been an unnecessary touchdown," said Lowdermilk, who finished with a team-high seven tackles. "Obviously, I want a touchdown. But it wasn't needed."