Wisconsin Football: Badgers Biggest Pregame Storylines vs. Purdue

The final non-conference game against Georgia Southern left many Badgers fans unsure what to think about Luke Fickell and the Wisconsin football program (2-1, 0-0 B1G) despite a 35-14 victory over the Eagles.

But that’s in the rearview, and we’re onto week four, where the Badgers will hit the road to take on the Purdue Boilermakers (1-2, 0-0 B1G) in their first Big Ten game of the season in West Lafayette.

Here’s a look at a few of the biggest pregame storylines for the Wisconsin Badgers Friday night matchup against Ryan Walters and Purdue.

Can Wisconsin Football Get Off to a Fast Start? 

During non-conference play, Wisconsin football made a habit of starting games off painfully slow. As it stands, the Badgers are getting outscored 41-30 in the first half of games. 

In the first game of Big Ten play, Wisconsin needs to find a way to get off to a better start so the Badgers aren’t relying on making adjustments and rallying after halftime — where they’re outscoring opponents 65-21 in the second half of games. 

If UW’s coaching staff had the answer to this problem, it would have already been solved — but it’s a trend that needs breaking if the Badgers are going to establish themselves as the team to beat in the Big Ten West.

Can the Wisconsin Football Secondary Contain Purdue’s Passing Attack?

Wisconsin football erased a 5-to-0 turnover differential last Saturday — by forcing six turnovers (5 INTs, one fumble recovery) against Georgia Southern. 

But the Badgers defense took the bend, don’t break mantra to a new level — allowing Ga. Southern to finish with 383 yards through the air and 455 total yards — including several chunk plays. 

That’s an even bigger problem because their next opponent, Purdue, is known for slanging the rock — and currently has the nation’s No. 37 passing offense (274 yards per game). Hudson Card has 825 yards passing with three touchdowns and one interception on the season. 

Wisconsin football cornerbacks must step up to the plate after getting picked on these past few weeks for the Badgers to secure the W on the road. 

Wisconsin Badgers Offensive Line Rotations 

The Wisconsin Football offensive line hasn’t lived up to expectations so far — I think that’s fair to say. But Trey Wedig, who has been the Badgers sixth lineman this season, played really damn well in non-conference play and is pushing for a starting role. In 53 pass-blocking sets, he still hasn’t allowed a single pressure, per PFF. 

Joe Huber (LG) and Michael Furney (RG) each have their strengths, but Wedig has proven himself a much more well-rounded player as a run-blocker and pass-protector through three weeks. 

I have no doubt all three will play on Saturday, but if Wedig outplays them again, we’ll see a change in the Wisconsin football starting five after the bye week. 

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