Wisconsin vs. Purdue Prediction, Game Preview

Wisconsin vs. Purdue prediction and game preview. The Badgers look to keep rolling when they visit the Boilermakers on Saturday afternoon.

Wisconsin vs. Purdue Game Preview

When: Saturday, Nov. 19 – Noon ET
Where: Ross-Ade Stadium, West Lafayette, Ind.
TV Broadcast: ABC

Wisconsin has played in three of the first five annual Big Ten championship games, and is currently on the brink of making it to a fourth. The Badgers would secure a trip to Indianapolis by winning their final two games against Purdue and Minnesota, though they can also clinch the West division Saturday with a victory and a Nebraska loss to Maryland.

The Badgers are seeking a sixth consecutive victory while looking to deal the Boilermakers a sixth straight defeat. Purdue has yet to win under interim coach Gerad Parker, who has led the team in four games since Darrell Hazell was fired Oct. 16.

What To Know About Wisconsin

The Badgers do still have a shot to reach the College Football Playoff, although the chances are slim with Michigan and Ohio State – the only two teams to beat the Badgers – ranked ahead of them. They’d need to win the Big Ten title game and then get help around the country to move into the top four. Wisconsin is taking care of its own business by allowing fewer than 10 points three times during its winning streak.

Corey Clement was the star in last week’s 48-3 win over Illinois, rushing 25 times for 123 yards and three touchdowns. The Badgers attempted only 14 passes – including one by Clement – and ran for 363 yards. There’s little reason to believe Wisconsin won’t have a run-heavy attack against Purdue.

What To Know About Purdue

The Boilermakers rank 13th in the Big Ten in run defense, and the 5.72 yards per rush they are allowing is the fifth-worst mark in the nation. Purdue gave up 352 rushing yards in last week’s 45-17 loss to Northwestern as the Wildcats amassed 605 total while going 10 of 16 on third down.

Purdue actually led 10-0 in the first quarter, but David Blough tossed three more interceptions. His 16 picks are the most in the nation and three more than anyone else has thrown. The Badgers have intercepted 14 passes and have the Big Ten’s third-best pass defense.

Advantages

Offense: Wisconsin – It’s not secret Wisconsin’s offense relies heavily on Clement.

Defense: Wisconsin – The Badgers have one of the stingiest units in the country.

Special Teams: Even – Purdue is allowing the fewest yards per punt return in the conference.

Coaching: Wisconsin – Paul Chryst has the Badgers rolling.

Intangibles: Wisconsin – The Badgers have won the last 10 meetings.

Matchup To Watch

Clement vs. Purdue’s rush D

If Clement gets going early – and Wisconsin will feed him often – Purdue’s chances for an upset will fade quickly. The Boilermakers essentially will have to play a perfect game defensively and get push on the Badgers offensive line to even make it interesting.

Betting Odds

Spread: Wisconsin -28
Over/Under: 51.5