Wisconsin Football: 3 takeaways from Badgers’ win over Purdue
3. Purdue’s defense is legit
Take Jonathan Taylor off the Badgers’ roster and Purdue handled the Wisconsin offense in impressive fashion on Saturday.
The Boilermakers were able to force three turnovers, two interceptions and a forced Taylor fumble in the red zone, and also added a blocked punt. Known to be a second half team, the Badgers were held scoreless in the second half for the first time all season.
Yes, the Badgers put up nearly 500 yards of offense, but those stats mean nothing unless it translates to the scoreboard. The Boilermakers did have trouble at times with the Badgers’ running game, but the defense came up big when needed- prevent Wisconsin from adding on insurance points and giving their offense a chance to tie the game late.
Formerly seen as a pushover on defense, Coach Brohm has this program heading in the right direction as a whole. While the offense was not there at times today, Purdue’s defense was able to keep them in the game — which is normally a phrase rarely said.
Purdue defense continues to deliver despite getting zero offensive support. Just like Michigan game. Someone give DC Nick Holt a raise!
— Tom Dienhart (@TomDienhart1) October 14, 2017
Following Saturday’s game against the Badgers, the Boilermakers have held now held four of their six opponents on the year under 17 points. If Brohm and his team can maintain this balance moving forward, do not be surprised if the Boilermakers upset someone this year in Big Ten play.