After a brutal second half where Wisconsin football was outscored 28-0, the Badgers return home this weekend to take on Purdue. The Boilermakers are coming off a 28-10 home loss to Nebraska. It was a game they had a good chance to win. It has been a tough year early on for Purdue and they are looking like one of, if not, the worst team in the Big Ten. Here is an early look at the Boilermakers.
The Wisconsin Football Offense will Face a New Offensive Coordinator
It may not make a big difference come Saturday, but Purdue did fire offensive coordinator Graham Harrell on Sunday. After a great college career at Texas Tech and a run with the Green Bay Packers, the Boilermakers will move on without Harrell.
I don’t see a ton of differences happening because it is a game week and there is no bye week, but the Wisconsin football defense will need to respect all parts of the Purdue offense. They did get a chance to see quarterback Hudson Card last season in West Lafayette and he will run if he wants to. Running back Devin Mockobee, who has had a slower start to this season, can still take a game over.
A Defense Struggling Big Time
If the Wisconsin football offense is going to have a nice day at the office. Saturday might be the day to go it. After shutting out Indiana State 49-0 in the season opener, Purdue has given up an average of 44 points a game in thhe last three games. This includes giving up 66 points at home to Notre Dame. They have only forced two turnovers to this point.
In particular, Brayden Locke is likely playing the worst defense he has seen in his career with. It could be a game where he finally gets comfortable and makes consistent throws. He needs to if Wisconsin football is going to ride with him the rest of the season. A little momentum could go a long way for the redshirt sophomore quarterback.
A Chance to Gain Consistency and Momentum
It’s pretty clear through 17 games, we have no idea what this Wisconsin football team can hang its hat on. Luke Fickell mentioned earlier this week we could see less backs running the ball and stick with one or two. I think that makes sense as players feed off energy and momentum. It’s hard to do that when you carry the ball less than 10 times. This should still be a Wisconsin football offense that is run first.
On defense, this group needs to get their mojo back. Miller Moss and Jalen Milroe were very good and these are the best quarterbacks this until will face with the exception of Dillon Gabriel of Oregon, who will not come to Camp Randall until November 16. I still believe this can be an above average defense that just needs momentum. This could be the perfect week for that to happen.
Follow me on Twitter @DylanBuboltz and follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports, click here! Also, check out our merch store for some amazing WSH merchandise!
