Wisconsin Football Opponent Preview: Purdue Boilermakers

The Wisconsin Football team got back into the win column this past weekend. After a terrific second half, the Badgers defeated Georgia Southern 35-14. Wisconsin scored the final 28 points after falling behind 14-7 early tin the third quarter.

Up next is the beginning of the Big Ten season. First off is a Friday night road game against the Purdue Boilermakers. Purdue currently sits at 1-2 after falling to Syracuse 35-20. Here is an early look at the Boilermakers.

The Wisconsin Football Defense Could Feast Again

Wisconsin safety Hunter Wohler (24) sacks Georgia Southern quarterback Davis Brin (5) during the second quarter of their game September 16, 2023 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis. Wisconsin beat Georgia Southern 35-14.

A big story coming into the the Georgia Southern game was the Wisconsin Football defense not forcing a turnover the forst two games. That quickly chnages last week as the Badgers forced six Eagles turnovers. Granted some of those were on quarterback Davis Brin, but credit the front seven for generating enough pressure.

After not turning the ball over in their first two games, Purdue committed four turnovers against Syracuse. Three of those were fumbles. It was a tough night for Texas transfer quarterback Hudson Card. If the front seven can get enough pressure on Card, he’s now shown he can be turnover prone.

Wisconsin Football Can Expect Another Pass First Offense

Sep 16, 2023; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Georgia Southern Eagles wide receiver Khaleb Hood (7) rushes with the football after catching a pass during the first quarter against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Nothing should come as a surprise to this Wisconsin Football defense. Purdue runs their own version of the air raid and they want to throw the ball. Card has already thrown for 825 yards with three touchdowns and the one interception. The interesting part? He has a 53.6 overall QBR. That is only good for 73rd in the country.

Hudson Card is better than Davis Brin. The defense allowed Brin to throw for 383 yards. That can’t happen with Card on Friday. If he does that, Wisconsin loses this game. The defense has prevent the big plays and get off the field on third down.

There’s Potential For a Shootout

Sep 16, 2023; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Tanner Mordecai (8) celebrates wth wide receiver Chimere Dike (13) after scoring a touchdown during the third quarter against the Georgia Southern Eagles at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

As mentioned earlier, the Boilermakers want to run their own version of the air raid offense. Through three games, they have averaged 26.3 points a game. However, they have given up 30.0 points a game. It’s a struggling defense for first yer head coach Ryan Walters, who has a great defensive background.

The Badgers should be able to put up points in West Lafayette Friday night. To add on, Purdue also averages over seven penalties a game. If they can play clean on both sides, it could a good night for this Wisconsin Football team.

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