Wisconsin Football: Purdue Boilermaker Preview

MADISON, WI - OCTOBER 17: Alex Erickson
MADISON, WI - OCTOBER 17: Alex Erickson
5 of 5
MADISON, WI – NOVEMBER 05: Carson Wiggs
MADISON, WI – NOVEMBER 05: Carson Wiggs

Purdue Special Teams

Like any underdog coming to Camp Randall, winning special teams in a big way is a must for the upset.  Unfortunately for Purdue, Wisconsin isn’t particularly generous on special teams.

Meanwhile, the Boilers have the the third worst kick return unit and second worst punt return unit in the conference.  It gets worse.  Purdue is just 5-9 on field goals this season, a paltry 55..6 percent accuracy number third worst in the Big Ten.

The national NCAA statistics aren’t any kinder of course but here they are:

  • Punt Returns (1.78 yards per return) #123
  • Punt Return Defense (7.33 yards per return allowed) #68
  • Net Punting (44.28 net yards per punt) #10
  • Kick Returns (17.25 yards per return) #110
  • Kick Return Defense (20.33 yards per return allowed) #73

So the punter is good.  But if he’s on the field a lot doing his thing Purdue won’t be happy obviously.  That may help the Boilers avoid giving Wisconsin’s offense a short field.  But it doesn’t look like the return game offers much.

Next: Injury Report for Week Six

If anything, Purdue’s best option on special teams is to swipe, grab, and punch at the football.  Badger kick returner (for now) AJ Taylor has put two on the ground in as many weeks.  Fortunately for my health and his job security, Wisconsin has recovered both.