The Wisconsin football team got back on track in dominant fashion, routing Purdue 52-6 on Saturday afternoon. With the blowout win, the Badgers registered their 18th straight win and recorded their largest margin of victory over the Boilermakers.
Yeah, Purdue is not a good football team. Don't let that cloud your judgment of this performance by Wisconsin, though. There were plenty of positives to take away, and it was refreshing to see this team finally get into a rhythm.
Here are my grades for Wisconsin's dominant win over Purdue.
Wisconsin quarterback Braedyn Locke (18) throws downfield during the second quarter of their game against Purdue Saturday, October 5, 2024 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin
Wisconsin Football Offense Grade: A-
Though it was a rocky start for Braedyn Locke, he got in a groove and orchestrated a red-hot second-half performance. After his second interception, the redshirt sophomore completed 16 of his last 19 pass attempts for 289 yards and two touchdowns. He was nothing short of dialed in once he was comfortable.
This is about the best performance you could have asked for from the offensive line. Not only did they buy Braedyn Locke time by giving him clean pockets, but they paved the way in the run game as the Badgers' tailbacks combined for 228 yards and four scores. Tawee Walker led the way on the ground for UW with 94 yards and four touchdowns, while true freshmen Darrion Dupree and Dilin Jones got some extended run, combining for 14 carries and 89 yards.
Saturday was the Trech Kekahuna coming out party. The redshirt freshman from Honolulu hauled in six receptions for 134 yards and two touchdowns, all team highs. Injuries to Bryson Green, Will Pauling, and Tyrell Henry forced Kekahuna to play an expanded role, but he definitely earned himself some more playing time going forward.
Wisconsin's defense came to play, giving up just 216 yards on the day. Have to give credit to the run defense; this is the best it has looked all season long, allowing just 99 yards on the ground and forcing two fumbles.
Mike Tressel's unit bent but didn't break. Purdue had two drives deep into Badgers territory but was forced to settle for field goals both times. UW managed to make Hudson Card a non-factor despite some apparent struggles with pass rushing with solid coverage, allowing just 111 passing yards.
The linebacker corps was the defensive MVPs for UW. Jaheim Thomas led the way in tackles, while Jake Chaney and Sebastian Cheeks caused havoc in the backfield with multiple TFLs each. Tackett Curtis also recorded a TFL, and Christian Alliegro had a crucial tipped pass that was nearly intercepted.
Wisconsin Football Special Teams Grade: B
Over the last two weeks, we've learned that Atticus Bertrams has an uncatchable punt. It was probably a sun issue in this case, but that's neither here nor there. Purdue had two muffed punts, one of which was recovered by long-snapper Cayson Pfeiffer and led to a Tawee Walker touchdown a play later.
Nathanial Vakos was perfect on Saturday, hitting his sole field goal attempt and all seven extra-point attempts.
Bringing this grade down a bit as Wisconsin had a kickoff sail out of bounds for the second straight week. It was a windy day in Madison, but that just can't happen.
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