Good, Bad and Ugly From Wisconsin Football 38-17 Win Over Purdue

On Friday night in West Lafayette, Luke Fickell and the Wisconsin Badgers football team (3-1, 1-0 B1G) had an impressive start against Purdue. UW forced multiple turnovers and secured a decisive 38-17 win on the road in West Lafayette against Ryan Walters and the Boilermakers.

Here’s the good, the bad, and the ugly from the Badgers win over Purdue.

The Good: Wisconsin Football Started Fast, Converted on Third Downs

Slow starts became a trend for the Wisconsin football program during non-conference play, getting outscored in the first half by their opponents 41-30. The Badgers laid that trend to rest against Purdue, scoring touchdowns on all three of their first possessions to give UW a 21-3 lead. 

1st TD in the 📚

pic.twitter.com/x59Kfa253t

— Wisconsin Football (@BadgerFootball) September 22, 2023

A big reason why the Wisconsin offense eclipsed 400 yards, their third time in four games, was because of third down execution. Entering Friday’s contest, the Badgers had converted only 35% of its third-down attempts during non-conference play. 

In the game against Purdue, Wisconsin’s football team successfully converted on their initial eight third-down opportunities and ultimately completed 12 out of 18 attempts throughout the night. This proficiency helped them secure a convincing victory in the time of possession battle, holding the ball for 33 minutes and 19 seconds compared to Purdue’s 26 minutes and 6 seconds.

Despite some of the mistakes, I’m coming around to how dangerous Phil Longo & his system can/will become when this thing clicks.

The Bad: Wisconsin Football Keeps Stepping on Its Own Feet 

I’ve accepted that Wisconsin football will be in their fair share of shootouts this season. The defense isn’t anything to write home about, and it’s unlikely Mike Tressel‘s unit will keep opponents off the scoreboard like we’ve seen in years past. 

Knowing that’ll likely be the case — ball security and offensive execution become even more critical for the Badgers. And that’s an area I’m concerned about rearing its ugly head in close games. 

Against Purdue, Wisconsin was penalized a season-high 11 times for 70 yards. That’s not good enough, and it’s even more bothersome that seven of the 11 penalties came along the offensive line, most notably starting left tackle Jack Nelson (I won’t pile on, it was bad). 

The Wisconsin football offense did a lot of things well last night but also had some glaring mistakes that need correcting during the bye week — and the penalties & discipline end of things are pretty high on that list. 

The Ugly: Chez Mellusi’s Injury 

Injuries are undoubtedly the worst part of any sport, but watching Wisconsin Badgers running back Chez Mellusi getting carted off the field during the fourth quarter of the game last night was gut-wrenching. 

Our thoughts are with @chez_mellusi and @BadgerFootball. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/NMo3QKaSUX

— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) September 23, 2023

Mellusi came into the game as the leading rusher for the Badgers and appeared to be an ideal scheme fit for Phil Longo’s spread offensive system. Furthermore, he provided Wisconsin football with a strong running game alongside Braelon Allen, which proved effective in wearing down their opponents.

Now, the Badgers must navigate the path ahead without their sixth-year senior player because, based on all available accounts, the injury from last night appears to be season-ending. 

Wisconsin football will need a combination of Verona native Jackson Acker and converted safety Cade Yacamelli to step into that No. 2 role at running back. Grover Bortolotti and true freshman Nate White will also provide depth options at tailback. 

Prayers up for Chez Mellusi. 

Wisconsin Badgers Football: What Are We DOIN Here?!

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