Purdue travels to a house of horror, trying to break a long losing streak.
The date is October 18th, 2003.
Let’s travel back in time to the last time Purdue beat Wisconsin in Football.
I was 11, many of the current college students at Purdue were not yet born. George W. Bush was the President of the United States. It was Lebron James’ rookie year in the NBA. The fifth Harry Potter Book was published and Cristiano Ronaldo made his Premier League Debut this year.
The point is, it has been a LONG time since Purdue has beaten the Badgers. The Tiller Era was going swimmingly, and since then, Purdue football has been average at best.
But, lets learn some about the opponent this week.
Wisconsin Badgers: 2-2
Series Record: 29-53-8
Last Purdue Win: October 18th, 2003, 26-23
Last Wisconsin Win: September 22nd, 2023, 38-17
Wisconsin Head Coach: Luke Fickell
Betting Line: Opened at Wisconsin -10.5, moved to Wisconsin -14
Offensive Player to Watch:
Even though Wisconsin wants to be an “Air Raid” offense, when push comes to shove, the run game has always been and still is their most consistent part of the offense. With Braelon Allen now rumbling along for the New York Jets, the keys have been turned to Chez Mellusi, who is averaging just over 4 yards per carry.
The Badgers went out and got Tyler Van Dyke to Quarterback their Air Raid Offense, and just like he was at Miami, he is just a guy. Averaging an abysmal 140 yards per game and only completing one touchdown pass.
Chez Mellusi paired with Cade Yacamelli may give Purdue fits in the run game, as they are dead last in the Big Ten in defending the run.
Defensive Player to Watch:
The defense is led by 6-3, 205-pound veteran safety, Hunter Wohler. He leads the team in tackles with 24, as they love to roll him into run help against spread teams.
Christian Alliegro leads the team in sacks with 2, and gets after the quarterback early and often.
Game Outlook:
Purdue has everything working against them. A start of the week coordinator fire, a head coach feeling the heat, it is a recipe for disaster for the Boilermakers looking for their first win against Wisconsin since 2003.
Way Too Early Prediction:
Wisconsin 31 Purdue 13