Purdue vs. Wisconsin: 5 Things to Know Before Kickoff
By Mathew Muncy
Mandatory Credit: Sandra Dukes-USA TODAY Sports
The Purdue Boilermakers travel to Madison to take on the Wisconsin Badgers this weekend and these are the five things you need to know before kickoff.
Coming off a 41-13 loss to the Minnesota Gophers, it would be nearly impossible for the Purdue Boilermakers (1-5, 0-2) to have a worse outing verses the Wisconsin Badgers (4-2, 1-1) this weekend. At this point, expectations are so low for the Boilermakers that most expect a game similar to the ones they’ve had against Virginia Tech and Minnesota and not the one against Michigan State.
Wisconsin is coming off a last-second victory over the Nebraska Huskers. Rafael Gaglianone kicked a 46-yard field goal with less than 10 second remaining to give the Badgers a 23-21 victory.
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Before the 83rd meeting between these two squads kicks off on Saturday, here is what you’ll need to know.
1. Wisconsin has won nine straight against the Boilermakers
Purdue hasn’t beat Wisconsin since 2003. In the nine meetings since then they’ve scored 20 or more points just once (2005), while Wisconsin has scored less than 30 only twice. The largest margin of victory for Wisconsin came in 2011 when they won 62-17.
2. Purdue’s defense has only held Wisconsin’s running attack under 100 yards twice since 2003.
The Badgers have been known for producing NFL-ready running backs and the Boilermakers have had to see them first-hand. In three out of their last four meetings, the Boilermakers have given up 364 or more rushing yards, including 467 yards in 2012. This year Purdue has given up 1,299 total rushing yards – 216.5 yards per game – while Wisconsin is averaging 164.3 rushing yards per game. Wisconsin may not hit 364 yards, but 300 isn’t out of the realm of possibility.