Here are three defensive players for the Badgers who could play an important role in Wisconsin’s success against Purdue:
1) Zack Baun, OLB
Baun had an effective game a week ago, as he registered two sacks in Wisconsin’s win over Nebraska. Baun has a chance of registering his third multi-sack game of the season, considering the Boilermakers allow an average of three sacks a game over Big Ten play. Baun’s ability to generate pressure against Aidan O’Connell, a walk-on quarterback, will be critical in possibly creating an extra offensive possession. Baun’s ability to create pressure should force him to speed up his decision making, which could lead to a mistake by O’Connell as he threw two interceptions in Purdue’s last game.
2) Caesar Williams, CB
Williams has started the last three games at cornerback and over that time he has a combined 10 tackles. Williams will likely have to cover David Bell at times, making it important that his consistent tackling continues, considering Bell has become one of the top targets in the passing game over the last five games. He has registered 48 of his 65 catches on the season over that time span for 491 yards and four touchdowns. If Williams can slow him down and limit his yards after the catch, that will take one of Purdue’s more consistent offensive players away and limit what Purdue can do on offense.
3) Chris Orr, ILB
Orr is averaging 1.14 sacks over Big Ten play, which leads the league as Orr can assist Baun in creating pressure against O’Connell in the backfield. Orr certainly has had an impactful year and if he and Baun can consistently create pressure it should lead to Wisconsin getting off the field quickly against the Boilermakers. It will also be important that Orr and Baun are able to create third and longs, which should allow for Jim Leonhard to dial up the pressure against Purdue that’s converting 40.5 percent (45-for-111) of their third downs.