A preview of the Purdue Boilermakers, who visit Camp Randall Stadium looking to break a long dry spell against the Badgers
On Saturday afternoon the Wisconsin Badgers (5-0, 2-0) welcomes the Purdue Boilermakers (3-2, 1-1) to Madison. Purdue is in the midst of a rebuild but has shown significant promise this season.
The Boilermakers are on pace to become bowl eligible for the firs time since 2012. Purdue lost the Hearts of Dallas Bowl that year.
While it hasn’t been a perfect run in 2017, even the two Boiler losses were impressive.
Wisconsin Badgers Football
The Boilermakers scared reigning Heisman trophy winner Lamar Jackson in week one. They then led Michigan 10-7 at halftime before the Wolverines ran away in the second half.
Last week, Purdue outscored Minnesota 18-3 in the fourth quarter to beat the Gophers 31-17 in West Lafayette. As a result, the Boilermakers are currently a half-game behind Nebraska in the Big Ten West.
So while Wisconsin should be considered the decided favorite, this is no cupcake Purdue like in years past. The Badgers have relied on strong second halves to compensate for dreary first and second quarters.
That habit gets more dangerous as competition improves in Big Ten play. Even against a rebuilding Purdue which has shown some fight this year.
Wisconsin has won 11 straight against the Boilermakers and holds the series lead 47-29. The Badgers stomped Purdue 49-20 in West Lafayette during the 2016 season.
For this preview we will look at the statistics for Purdue coaching, offense, defense, and special teams.