Saturday afternoon’s win over Purdue followed the blueprint of many Wisconsin victories of the past. The Badger defense finally had turnover luck tip in their favor, Wisconsin’s run game took over the contest in the second half, and UW won the battle in the trenches. It was a refreshing sight to see for a Badger team that improved to 4-3 on the season and retained control over their fate in the Big Ten West.
The win began with a Badger drive that reminded us of what successful Wisconsin football looks like. Following the teams trading punts to start the game, the Badgers took the ball 92 yards on 13 plays on a touchdown drive that lasted over 7 minutes. It was nearly all Braelon Allen and Chez Mellusi, as Allen finished the drive off with a four-yard score to give the Badgers a 7-0 lead late in the first quarter.
After a Purdue fumble on the ensuing drive, Wisconsin’s offense gave the ball right back as the freshman Allen lost the football while trying to fight for extra yardage. The Boilermakers took advantage of starting the drive in Wisconsin’s territory, as Aidan O’Connell connected with Payne Durham for a 10-yard score to tie the game at 7.
Following a Wisconsin field goal drive and a Purdue punt, the Boilermakers got their best player involved. Star DL George Karlaftis scooped up a Graham Mertz fumble and took it to the house to give Purdue a 13-10 lead with just over six minutes remaining in the first half.
Wisconsin safety John Torchio then flipped the game on its head, as he intercepted O’Connell and took the ball all the way down to the Boilermaker one-yard line just before halftime. The Badgers failed to punch it in, and settled for a Collin Larsh field goal that tied things up at 13 headed to the break.
After yet another turnover forced by the Wisconsin defense on a forced fumble from Collin Wilder, the Badgers again failed to score off the takeaway to begin the second half.
The next Badger drive, however, was a magical one. Wisconsin went 94 yards in just three plays, as Allen exploded for a 70-yard run that set up Mellusi’s elusive 20-yard touchdown scamper. On the score, Wisconsin took a 20-13 lead halfway through the third quarter and would never give that lead up.
From there, Wisconsin’s defense added to their takeaway tally and an Allen touchdown run put the game away early in the fourth quarter. Allen and Mellusi combined for 289 yards and three touchdowns on the ground, while the Badger defense forced a season-high five turnovers.
Wisconsin improves to 4-3 on the season, and has a looming showdown that could decide the Big Ten West when Iowa visits Camp Randall next Saturday.