The Big Ten season has arrived for Wisconsin Football. Every game moving forward is crucial if the Badgers want to play for a Big Ten Championship. Up first is a road game tonight against the Purdue Boilermakers. The Badgers are coming off a 35-14 win over Georgia Southern while Purdue is coming off a 35-20 home loss to Syracuse. Kick-off is scheduled for 6 PM CST on FS1. Here is a preview of tonight’s game.
Can The Wisconsin Football Defense Force Turnovers
After not forcing a turnover in the first two games, the Wisconsin defense generated six of them against Georgia Southern. Some of them were gifted, but the Badger took advantage of it. After not turning the ball over in their first two games, Purdue turned it over four times against Syracuse. The Boilermakers have also fumbled the ball eight times this year.
Sometimes generating turnovers can be contagious. I think this Wisconsin Football defense has the weight lifted off their shoulders. It’s also important to be able to create momentum and turnovers on the road. I think it’s been the defense that has been the energy and spark of this team so far. I think the Badgers do get a few turnovers tonight.
Can The Offense Get the Run and Pass in Sync
We saw it a little bit last week especially in the second half. Now that you’re in the Big Ten season, the games get harder and the opponents get better. It’s safe to say the Wisconsin Football offense isn’t where most of us thought it would be right now.
The good news? Purdue is giving up an average of 37 points a game at home this season. They have also not won at home either. I think points are there for the Wisconsin Football offense. They just have to take advantage of it. That means establishing the run game early and then finish with the passing attack.
Prediction
Currently, Wisconsin enters this game as a six point favorite. It might be a little generous, but I see why. Purdue has not looked good on the offensive side of the ball and is struggling to get stops on the defensive end too. Fresno State and Syracuse are respectable opponents, but Wisconsin is better than both those teams. I guarantee that.
A short week on the road never sounds good regardless of the travel and the opponent. I think it’s safe to say this is a game Purdue needs if they have shot at a postseason bowl game. Don’t be surprised to see some trick plays and first year head coach Ryan Walters to be aggressive on both sides.
This is a game Wisconsin Football has to do what they know they are capable of. If they do that, they will be fine. They have to take care of the ball and play disciplined on both sides of the ball. Purdue has turned into a tough atmosphere and the crowds have only gotten louder.
I just think Wisconsin has too much fire power on offense. Purdue is a work in progress on defense. However, I like quarterback Hudson Card and their group of young receivers. Give me Tanner Mordecai, who’s looked much more comfortable in this system, and the momentum of the defense. I think Wisconsin Football takes it to a desperate Purdue team looking for their identity.
Wisconsin 27 Purdue 17
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