Oct 33 min read

Badgers Poised to Steamroll Purdue in Big Ten Battle

Devin Mockobee | Purdue RB #45 — © Alex Martin/Journal and Courier/USA TODAY NETWORK

The Wisconsin Badgers (2-2, 0-1 Big Ten) will host the Purdue Boilermakers (1-3, 0-1 Big Ten) on Oct. 5 at noon EST at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis. Both teams are seeking their first B1G win of the season, and Wisconsin is a 14-point favorite, according to Action Network.

What's at Stake?

Wisconsin is looking to bounce back from a 38-21 loss to No. 11 USC (3-1, 1-1) after leading 21-10 at halftime but were outscored 28-0 in the second half. Fans and alumni have voiced concerns about the program's direction and the lack of progress in head coach Luke Fickell's second year. Purdue marks the start of a winnable three-game stretch that can get the Badgers to 5-2 before they host No. 7 Penn State (4-0, 1-0) on Oct. 26.

After winning their first game, the Boilermakers have derailed, losing their last three, including a 28-10 defeat to Nebraska (4-1, 1-1) last week. Coach Ryan Walters fired offensive coordinator Graham Harrell on Sept. 29, promoting offensive analyst Jason Simmons to interim offensive coordinator. Purdue will focus on improving an offense that ranks 14th in the Big Ten in points per game (21.8), 15th in total yards per game (322) and 15th in passing yards per game (172.3).

Key Players: Wisconsin Badgers

Tawee Walker, RB (PFF Season Grade: 73.7)

Walker should have plenty of opportunities as Purdue has the worst rushing defense in the B1G and ranks fourth-worst in the FBS, allowing 242 rushing yards per game.

Walker, who transferred from Oklahoma (4-1, 1-1 SEC) in the offseason, had his best game of the year against USC, finishing with 55 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns, including two explosive runs of more than 10 yards.

Elijiah Hills, DT (PFF Season Grade: 71.9)

Hills had his best performance of the season against USC, recording 3 tackles, 4 quarterback hurries, and 1 batted pass. After the Badgers lost their top defensive lineman, James Thompson Jr., to injury before the season, an already-thin unit needed someone to step up, and Hills is emerging as that player. His snap count has risen from 21 in the opener against Western Michigan (1-3) to 50 against USC.

Elijiah Hills | Wisconsin DL #94 — © Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Key Players: Purdue Boilermakers

Devin Mockobee, RB (PFF Season Grade: 66.6)

With the Badgers' defense ranked 15th in the Big Ten against the run, Purdue will rely heavily on running backs Devin Mockobee and Reggie Love III. The Boilermakers will hope for a repeat of Mockobee's performance against Oregon State (3-1), when he carried the ball 16 times for 168 yards, including 104 yards after contact.

Markevious Brown, CB (PFF Season Grade: 74.1)

Although Brown has allowed 8 completions on 13 targets (61.5 percent), he has only given up 67 total receiving yards and no TDs over 231 snaps. Wisconsin showed glimpses of connecting on deep passes, like the one to WR Vinnie Anthony II in the USC game. But the Badgers have generally struggled with explosive plays in the passing game. Brown could play a key role in forcing the Badgers to sustain long drives to reach the end zone.

Markevious Brown | Purdue CB #1 — © Alex Martin/Journal and Courier / USA TODAY NETWORK

Trends to Watch

Wisconsin has won 17 straight games against Purdue, the fourth-longest active streak among Power 4 teams over a conference opponent. In the Big Ten, only Ohio State has a longer streak with 29 consecutive wins against Indiana.

Game Prediction

Has Wisconsin been inconsistent overall? Yes. Have they struggled to move the ball on offense? Yes. But are the Badgers more talented than Purdue? Absolutely. The talent gap between the two teams will be apparent early and Wisconsin should cruise to a comfortable victory.

Prediction: Wisconsin 31, Purdue 14.