MADISON, Wis. – There were many contributors to Wisconsin’s 45-24 win over Purdue on Saturday, but these were the three key players to the Badgers’ victory over the Boilermakers.
Jonathan Taylor
Taylor for a third straight game rushed for over 200 yards as he finished with 222 yards on 28 carries, including rushing for a 51-yard touchdown. With Taylor rushing for over 200 yards it marked the 12th 200-yard rushing game in his career, which is the second-most by a Badger in his career only behind Wisconsin’s Ron Dayne. Taylor did have two fumbles, which puts a damper on his otherwise impressive rushing performance. Taylor was able to consistently pick up positive yards as he averaged 7.9 yards per carry.
Chris Orr
Orr was responsible for one of Wisconsin’s two sacks against Aidan O’Connell and he lead the team with nine tackles (eight solo). With the sack by Orr in the third quarter it gives him a team best 11 sacks on the year as nine of his 11 sacks have come over conference play. Orr was active throughout the game against Purdue as he helped clog any rushing lanes as well as the Boilermakers only rushed for 50 yards on 20 carries.
Garrett Groshek
Groshek finished the game against Purdue with season highs in both carries (nine) and rushing yards (55). He also registered his second rushing touchdown on the season out of the wildcat formation from 6-yards out. Groshek effectively ran the football out of the wildcat as Purdue didn’t have an answer for him. Groshek averaged 6.1 yards per carry as he was only tackled behind the line of scrimmage once resulting in a 1-yard loss. Groshek also caught two passes for 16 yards.