RECAP: Wisconsin dominates Purdue en route to first Big Ten win of 2024 season

Initial thoughts on Wisconsin’s dominant win over Purdue

Wisconsin notched its first Big Ten win of the 2024 season with its 52-6 blowout victory over Purdue.

The score tells the story — the Badgers mostly dominated the game from start to finish.

Related: Wisconsin fans react to dominant victory over Purdue: ‘Badgers are back’

That dominance started early when a Purdue muffed punt led to a quick 12-yard touchdown from Badgers RB Tawee Walker. Wisconsin then added another touchdown before the end of the first quarter with a 52-yard strike from QB Braedyn Locke to WR Vinny Anthony.

That 14-0 lead was trimmed to 14-6 by two Purdue field goals. But that’s as close as the Boilermakers got the rest of the afternoon. Wisconsin added to its lead with a clutch touchdown drive before halftime, then hit another gear after halftime with a 31-0 second-half margin.

The Badgers’ performance against Purdue was badly needed after back-to-back losses against top teams No. 1 Alabama and No. 11 USC, respectively. USC’s 28-0 second-half margin built a cupboard full of questions. This win against a poor Purdue team does not answer all of them, but it at least gets the season headed back in the right direction.

QB Braedyn Locke finished the afternoon with 20 of 31 passing for 359 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. WR Trech Kekahuna was the star of the afternoon with six receptions, 134 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Other notable performances include WR Vinny Anthony (two receptions, 66 yards, one touchdown), RB Tawee Walker (19 carries, 94 yards, three touchdwons) and WR C.J. Williams (four receptions, 60 yards).

Wisconsin improves to 3-2 on the season and 1-1 in Big Ten play with the win. Purdue drops to 1-4 overall and 0-2 in Big Ten play. The Badgers are back in action on Oct. 12 at Rutgers.

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