Wisconsin at Purdue Preview

This is the game we dread every year. Wisconsin has owned Purdue since THAT game in 2004. It hasn’t even been close most of the time. The weather even looks like it will add to the mood on Saturday, with wind, rain, and 40 degree temperatures for a mostly empty stadium. Word is that Morgan Burke will even be honored at halftime, so it is nice to see him appear at the funeral for the football program her murdered.

I hope there enough people there to boo him.

2015 Record: 10-3, 6-2 Big Ten

Bowl result: Beat USC 23-21 in Holiday Bowl

Blog Representation: Bucky’s 5^th Quarter

Series with Purdue: Wisconsin leads 46-29-8

Last Purdue win: 10/18/2003 at Wisconsin 26-23

Last Wisconsin win: 10/17/2015 at Wisconsin 24-7

Wisconsin Thus Far:

The Badgers are a contender for the playoff and, if they win out, they will probably get there. If they beat Purdue and Minnesota they will win the Big Ten West, and a win over Ohio State or Michigan in the Big Ten title game would see them avenge one of their two losses. Both games were close, too, with Ohio State coming in overtime.

They have struggled at times, however. Early in the season they barely got past Georgia State. Iowa, Nebraska, and Northwestern also played them close. After blowing out Illinois last week they look like a team primed for a late season run.

Who to Watch on Offense

Corey Clement – RB – As often happens with starting running backs at Wisconsin, Clement is having a career year. He has 951 yards and 10 TDs after missing much of last season and appears to be the latest Badger back that will run rampant through our secondary. The senior will go over 1,000 yards for the season in the game, probably by a lot.

Jazz Peavy – WR – Peavy leads the team with 34 receptions for 510 yards and 4 touchdowns, but it is a varied passing attack. Alex Hornibrook has not been spectacular. Peavy, Robert Wheelwright, and Tony Fumagalli all have between 29 and 34 receptions on the season, so they do spread the ball around quite a bit.

Who to Watch on Defense

T.J. Watt – DE – Yes, this is J.J.’s little brother. He is playing like his brother, too. He leads the team with 7 sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss. He could have a field day against Purdue’s questionable tackles.

D’Cota Dixon – S – Dixon has four interceptions on the season and is one of the best safeties in the Big Ten. He is part of a defense that is only giving up 12.7 points per game, which is third in the country.

Derrick Tindal – CB – Tindal also has a penchant for taking passes away from opponents. He is a solid cover corner with three interceptions and 10 pass break ups. Overall, this secondary is excellent. Even with having the best passing offense in the Big Ten I am not encouraged.

Who to Watch on Special Teams

Andrew Endicott – K – Endicott has had to take over kicking duties after the starter got injured, but the senior has been decent. He has hit 10 of 15 attempts and has a long of 52 yards.

Game Outlook

I know this preview is shorter than most, but Wisconsin is much, much better than Purdue right now. We lack the depth to even be competitive, so barring a Ryker Fyfe-like meltdown I expect the Badgers to roll to an easy victory.