A couple of weeks ago, the Badgers were flying high with a #6 ranking in the BCS and an unblemished 6-0 record. It really is surprising what can happen in a matter of days in the realm of college football.
Wisconsin (6-2, 2-2) now sits at #20 in the rankings and are currently holding on to a three-way tie for second place in the Big Ten’s Leaders division. One of those teams sharing second place is the Ohio State Buckeyes who upset the Badgers last weekend in Columbus and the other, the unexpected Purdue Boilermakers (4-4, 2-2), who happen to be the next opponent for Bret Bielema’s Badgers at Camp Randall this weekend.
Purdue Synopsis: Who knew Purdue would have already matched their conference win total from 2010 by the beginning of November? The Boilermakers sit just two games away from becoming bowl-eligible and possibly could return to a bowl game for the first time since 2007.
Yes, this is the same squad who on September 10th lost to Rice by the score of 24-22. But, since then Danny Hope’s boys have improved, including a win over #23 Illinois and contended match-ups with Penn State and Michigan.
Where the Boilermakers have succeeded is on the ground where they average 181.8 rushing yards per game. In case you missed it, the Badgers defense gave up 268 yards to the Buckeyes in that department last week. Similar to the Badgers, the Boilermakers have done an exceptional job taking care of the ball this season, especially at the RB position (no fumbles this season).
For the full Purdue season preview go here.
Wisconsin Synopsis: I’m not sure anyone in the country can sympathize with the Badgers right now. After rising to the brink of being called an elite team, there’s nothing like being sucked down to mediocrity after having your hearts ripped out of your chest on the road in hostile environments.
Anyone who follows the Badgers knows that Bielema loves to instill the so-called “1-0,” mentality or “taking it one game at a time,” cliche and in this instance, it’s exactly what the Badgers need to do. Wisconsin will have to forget fast about the two losses and return to business against Purdue.
Returning to Camp Randall should be the perfect recipe for the Badgers to get back to their winning ways as they look for their 15th consecutive win at home. Purdue has also struggled against Wisconsin of late while losing their last five in the series.
For the full Wisconsin season preview go here.
Prediction: Let’s start out by stating the obvious, Montee Ball will score touchdowns (leads nation with 21 TD) and the Badgers offense will eclipse 40 points (average 45.1 a game). UW’s defense and particularly their secondary will be a focal point in this one as they try to redeem their-selves for costly mistakes in the Badgers current losing streak. I do think the defense responds in a strong way, but I also think the Boilermakers won’t roll-over in this one.
Wisconsin 49 Purdue 20
What do you think will be the score between the Badgers and Boilermakers? Can the Badgers pick their selves up after such dramatic losses? Let me know by commenting below!
Nick Grays is a senior writer at the Sports Bank where he covers the Wisconsin Badgers, Green Bay Packers, and Milwaukee Brewers. He also enjoys to share Fantasy Advice from time-to-time. Follow him on Twitter by clicking here or visit his blog Nick Knows Best.
You may also like -
