Notre Dame extended the worst start in school history to five losses in a row today, with Purdue's Curtis Painter throwing two touchdown passes and Chris Summers hitting four field goals in a 33-19 win over the Fighting Irish.

The Boilermakers (5-0), meanwhile, are off to their best start since 2004, and former quarterback Drew Brees was on hand to watch.

Kory Sheets added 141 yards rushing for Purdue, which takes its unbeaten record into next week's home game against No. 8 Ohio State. Notre Dame now faces games against UCLA, No. 12 Boston College and top-ranked Southern California.

Unlike their first four losses, the Irish put up a fight in the second half. Freshman quarterback Jimmy Clausen threw his first touchdown pass in the third quarter, and coach Charlie Weis' club pulled within 26-19 with 7:58 to go. But that was as close as Notre Dame would get.

Clausen limped often in the game, and was shuffled in and out of the lineup. Backup Evan Sharpley completed 16 of 26 passes for 208 yards, and Golden Tate caught three passes for 104 yards for the Irish.

Purdue led 23-0 at halftime, but Notre Dame dominated much of the second half.

Purdue hasn't allowed a first-half touchdown since its season opener against Toledo. The Boilermakers have outscored their opponents 137-20 in first-half play this season.