Wisconsin (8-2, 5-2 Big Ten) has dominated Purdue (4-6, 3-4) as of late considering the Badgers have won 13 straight games over the Boilermakers. Although Wisconsin has had its way against Purdue the Boilermakers have given Wisconsin a fight over their last two meetings as Wisconsin beat Purdue in triple overtime in order to extend their current winning streak.
Here are the five keys for a Wisconsin victory over the Boilermakers on senior day:
1) Jonathan Taylor’s success on the ground
Purdue has had trouble containing Taylor as he posted a career high 321 yards in last year’s victory. Taylor will certainly get his chance of having success against a Purdue rush defense that’s allowing 170.9 yards per game over Big Ten play. In addition, the Boilermakers have allowed seven different running backs to eclipse the 100-yard rushing mark this season. With Taylor averaging 146.3 yards this season if he can get into a rhythm early he should be able to put together another impressive performance against the Boilermakers.
2) Limiting David Bell’s impact
Despite not having his counterpart in wide receiver Rondale Moore hasn’t slowed Bell down from having production over conference play. Considering Bell’s 8.4 receptions over Big Ten play leads the conference and his 94.4 receiving yards a game is tied for second with Minnesota’s Tyler Johnson for most in the conference. Making it important for Wisconsin’s secondary to try and limit his yards after the catch. Bell will certainly get his targets in the passing game the key will be making sure he can’t make the first defender miss as Wisconsin will need to try and hold him to a minimal gain each time he catches the football. If Wisconsin can they’ll take away one of Purdue’s most consistent offensive weapons.
3) Wisconsin’s ability to create pressure
Purdue has run 510 offensive plays over Big Ten play and is attempting a pass on 57.4 percent of those plays. Purdue’s 217 rushing attempts are the fewest over Big Ten play. With how often Purdue drops back to pass the Badgers defense will have their chance of creating pressure as the Boilermakers are allowing an average of three sacks over Big Ten play. Between Zack Baun and Chris Orr as the duo has registered a combined 19.5 sacks this season and should be able to make there way into Purdue’s backfield. If Wisconsin can consistently create pressure it will assist Wisconsin’s secondary in covering Bell and should help the Badgers create short drives for Purdue.
4) Keeping George Karlaftis out of Wisconsin’s backfield
Taylor has run for at least 200 yards over the last two games. Part of the reason for his success on the ground is he doesn’t get tackled behind the line of scrimmage as he consistently does a good job of picking up positive yards. Although Taylor has had success against Purdue’s rush defense the Badgers are going to have to neutralize Karlaftis as he leads the Big Ten in tackles for loss per game with 1.57 a game. If Wisconsin’s offensive line doesn’t get the better leverage Karlaftis will find a way of making sure Wisconsin is working behind the chains.
5) Wisconsin’s ability to get off to a strong start
With it being senior day there naturally will be distractions making it important that Wisconsin comes out executing at a high level. Considering, Purdue needs to win their last two games in order to become bowl eligible for a third straight year. If Wisconsin comes out flat the Boilermakers will take advantage and Wisconsin could find themselves in a hole early. Making it important that Jack Coan is able to guide the offense down the field early on in the game and that Wisconsin comes away with a touchdown in order to set the tone early for the game.