Special Teams: A
Zach Hintze’s 62-yard field goal to end the first half was a big play. Considering on the ensuing offensive possession for Wisconsin resulted in a fumble by Jonathan Taylor with 57 seconds remaining.
But thanks to Wisconsin’s defense forcing a three and out and the Badgers offense doing enough to redeem itself from the previous offensive possession allowed Wisconsin one last chance of coming away with points before halftime.
Wisconsin started at the 36-yard line and on the first play Groshek rushed for nine yards, Cruickshank on the ensuing play out of the wildcat formation rushed for 17-yards, and on the third offensive play of the drive Coan connected with Cephus for 3-yards to Purdue’s 47-yard line to set up Hintze’s 62-yard field goal.
Hintze who normally handles kickoffs was called upon due to his ability to hit kicks for length. He certainly got enough on his kick as the football was able to barely make it over the crossbar.
In addition, Hintze once again was terrific on kickoffs as six of his seven resulted in touchbacks as he averaged 61.4 yards per kickoff.
For the first time this year, Wisconsin didn’t punt the football.
Overall: C
Wisconsin’s offense was able to establish the run from the beginning of the game as four different players for the Badgers had a rushing touchdown. Wisconsin could have had more success on the ground but the Badgers inability to protect the football while carrying it prevented the Badgers from putting the game away earlier.
The four turnovers were the most committed by Wisconsin this season and over the last five games, Wisconsin has committed a total of 13 turnovers.
Outside of cleaning up the miscues that have hurt Wisconsin’s offense as of late the Badgers defense once again gave up the big play against Purdue.
The Boilermakers were able to successfully run a couple of trick plays that resulted in big gains through the passing game. Not to mention the Badgers also missed tackles at times to in the first half.
In order for Wisconsin to have success next week against Minnesota the Badgers need to be able to shore up in these areas in order to give themselves a chance of returning to Indianapolis.