There are Wisconsin Badgers fans who think the team is ‘back’ after its dominant 52-6 victory over Purdue on Saturday.
While the long-term projection is still a challenge, it’s impossible not to be impressed by the dominant showing. The Badgers controlled the game throughout, dominated the Boilermakers in every facet and, overall, put forth arguably the most complete performance of the Luke Fickell era to date.
For those who believe the Badgers are ‘back,’ ESPN SP+ might agree. Wisconsin entered the week ranked No. 66 in the nation — No. 92 on offense and No. 27 on defense.
After the blowout win over Purdue, Wisconsin rose a whopping 27 spots up to No. 39 in the nation — specifically up to No. 80 on offense and No. 19 on defense.
That steep rise has the Badgers now ranked as the No. 10 team in the Big Ten in SP+, ranked behind Ohio State (No. 2), Penn State (No. 6), Oregon (No. 7), Indiana (No. 17), Washington (No. 19), USC (No. 25), Nebraska (No. 26), Michigan (No. 27) and Iowa (No. 29).
They are ranked ahead of next week’s opponent Rutgers (No. 44), plus rival Minnesota (No. 41)
The key to Wisconsin’s rest-of-season chances and push to bowl eligibility won’t be to replicate its performance against Purdue — that is a tall ask. It will be, instead, to take the momentum from the win and build on it. Strong performances strung together will help the team build an identity and maintain clear areas of strength.
Right now, the win streak is at one. Saturday’s road trip to Rutgers presents a critical moment in the season — one where the win streak must be extended.
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