Wisconsin Football: Badgers Keys to Victory vs. Purdue

Wisconsin Badgers Football hits the road their next game against the Purdue Boilermakers tomorrow night. It also marks the beginning of the Big Ten portion of the schedule. Kick-off is scheduled for 6 PM CST on FS1.

After a 35-14 win over Georgia Southern last weekend, the Wisconsin defense sis coming in with some momentum. The offense looks better as well. Here are my keys to victory for the Badgers to come home with a road win and start 1-o in conference play.

Wisconsin Football Key to Victory #1- Keep the Momentum Going on Defense

Sep 16, 2023; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Maema Njongmeta (55) celebrates after a fumble recovery against the Georgia Southern Eagles during the fourth quarter at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Hoffman-USA TODAY Sporta

The Wisconsin defense is coming off forcing six turnovers against Georgia Southern. After not forcing any in the first two games, the front seven made life tough for Davis Brin. Some of the turnovers were on Brin, but the defense was all over him.

After not committing a turnover in their first two games, Purdue committed four turnovers against Syracuse. Three of those were fumbles. You have to be able to force turnovers especially when on the road. I have to believe the Wisconsin Football defense is licking their chops for a chance to keep their momentum going.

Wisconsin Football Key to Victory #2- Win the Turnover Battle

Sep 16, 2023; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Georgia Southern Eagles quarterback Davis Brin (5) barely gets off a pass before being hit by Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Maema Njongmeta (55) during the third quarter at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

Just like you have to force turnovers on the road, you can’t turn it over yourself on the road. In the Badgers last road game at Washington State, they lost the turnover battle 3-0. All three were fumbles.

Tanner Mordecai was better with the ball and made better decisions against Georgia Southern. It sure looks like he is getting more comfortable with the offense. If Wisconsin can take care of the ball and force a few turnovers on the defensive side, they should be able to walk out with a win.

Wisconsin Football Key to Victory #3- Have a Balanced Offense

Sep 16, 2023; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Chez Mellusi (1) rushes with the football during the third quarter against the Georgia Southern Eagles at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Last week, the Wisconsin Football offense was more balanced than the first two games. They have to be able to both run the ball and pass the ball against their Big Ten opponents. They have shown they can do both, but not at same time consistently.

I think Braelon Allen found something running the ball in the second half last week. If he’s able to establish himself early in this game, it will make life easier for Tanner Mordecai, Chez Mellusi, and the wide receivers.

At the same time, if the passing game can get in sync early, it will force the Purdue defense to defend all parts of the field. In turn, that will open the running game up to be successful.

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