The last time the Wisconsin Badgers traveled to West Lafayette, Ind., senior defensive backs Robert Brooks and Scott Starks hit Purdue quarterback Kyle Orton with just over two minutes remaining, forcing him to fumble away the ball and the game, as Starks picked up the loose ball and dashed 40 yards for the game-winning, season-saving score. The play was eventually named Pontiac's Game Changing Performance of the Year, providing proof that a Wisconsin miracle had given the country goosebumps.
Two years later, the Badgers don't have as much to play for—in 2004 they were undefeated heading into the game—but the Boilermakers have bounced back from last year's sub-par season in which they went 5-6, posting a 5-2 record with the two losses coming to No.12 Notre Dame and No.19 Iowa. The 21st-ranked Badgers hope that the Boilermakers' futility against ranked teams this year continues.
Wisconsin head coach Bret Bielema has his eyes on Purdue's offensive line which he says, from looking at statistics and film, could be a challenge for his Badgers Saturday.
""They've attempted more throws than anybody in this league, and yet they've had the fewest number of sacks, which does mean they've got good protection,"" Bielema said. ""Our defensive coaches are very excited about the opportunity they have in front of them.""
""I've always tried to address our guys, this is just another opportunity to go out and prove that you can outperform somebody at what they do,"" Bielema added.
Purdue quarterback Curtis Painter, who made the first start of his career against Wisconsin last year, has grown up quickly, averaging 316 yards passing per game through seven games. As a result of his stellar play, the Boilermakers offense has been formidable in many aspects of the game, including their proficiency on third down.
""Purdue leads the Big Ten Conference in third down conversions,"" Bielema said, who credits Painter's decision making with their success in that area. ""If [Painter] is pressured, he knows where to deliver the football.""
But regardless of their strength on offense, the Badgers will have a decided advantage when their offense takes the field against Purdue's defense. Wisconsin enters the game ranked 14th nationally in scoring offense (33.9 points/game) while Purdue's defense has struggled. The Boilermakers rank 101st in the country in scoring defense, allowing nearly 30 points per game, and are even worse in total defense giving up 412 yards per game, which is bad enough for 111th in the nation.
The Badgers' defense could conceivably have some trouble getting into the Boilermaker backfield and may, for the first time in weeks, have to contend with a team that can put some points on the board. However, Wisconsin will counter with an offense that scored 40 or more points in the past three weeks and is getting more experienced every week. Finally, the Badgers have history on their side. UW leads the all-time series against Purdue 38-29 (with eight ties between them) and have won the last two meetings—the former, an unforgettably dramatic fashion.
