MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin faced several trying weeks, with disappointment and discourse from those outside the football program rising in the aftermath of consecutive losses to Alabama and USC by 49 combined points. But if any game on the schedule served as a so-called “get right” opportunity, it was the one staring at Wisconsin on Saturday at Camp Randall Stadium.
Purdue, one of the worst teams in the Big Ten, arrived fresh off firing its offensive coordinator this past week. Throw in the fact that Wisconsin had won 17 straight games in the series — tied for the fifth-longest active Power 4 winning streak against one program — and this was a moment the Badgers needed to take advantage of this season.
Wisconsin responded with a 52-6 demolition that quelled some of the noise, at least temporarily. It marked the first time the Badgers eclipsed 40 points in a game in two years — and the first such instance under offensive coordinator Phil Longo.
Here are three initial takeaways from the Badgers’ performance:
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Offense opens up
Even when Wisconsin won games to begin the season against Western Michigan and South Dakota, the Badgers didn’t exactly light up the scoreboard or generate many explosive plays. And while it’s hard to extrapolate what happened against Purdue into something that can be sustained against better teams, the results still represented an encouraging sign.
Quarterback Braedyn Locke, who recovered from a pair of early interceptions, unleashed some big plays and finished with 358 yards passing — the seventh-best mark in program history — and three touchdowns. Wisconsin had two touchdown passes of at least 50 yards in a game for the first time since Aug. 31, 2013, in Gary Andersen’s first game against UMass. Trech Kekahuna caught a 69-yard touchdown pass, and Vinny Anthony added a 52-yarder.
Kekahuna’s performance, in particular, was notable. He was one of the most impressive playmakers during practices in the spring and preseason because of his speed and shiftiness. Yet through four games, Kekahuna had four catches for 42 yards and 10 total targets. On Saturday, Kekahuna finished with six receptions for 134 yards and two touchdowns while being targeted nine times.
Wisconsin needed help because receivers Bryson Green, Will Pauling and Tyrell Henry all sustained lower-body injuries against Purdue. Kekahuna answered the bell, adding a 25-yard touchdown catch despite a pass interference call on the Boilermakers.
Another important development came at running back in the wake of Chez Mellusi stepping away from the team to recover from injuries. Wisconsin coach Luke Fickell said earlier in the week that he wanted to pare down the running back rotation, and the Badgers went with a combination of Tawee Walker and freshman Darrion Dupree that offered plenty of promise.
Walker carried 19 times for 94 yards with three touchdowns. Dupree added seven carries for 24 yards and showcased his dynamic playmaking ability with a pair of receptions. Third-stringer Cade Yacamelli recorded a 30-yard touchdown run. Dupree, as well as freshman Dilin Jones — who broke off a 47-yard run late in the game — represent the future of the running back position at Wisconsin, and the Badgers appear to be in good hands.
Defense steps up
Purdue’s offense was in disarray, so Ryan Walters relieved offensive coordinator Graham Harrell of his duties following a 28-10 loss last week at Nebraska. So it would have been a huge surprise if the Boilermakers had unveiled a successful game plan on such a short turnaround. Still, Wisconsin’s defense came up with two critical second-quarter stops near the goal line to help set the tone for the win.
The first came on a third-and-goal from the 3-yard line when safety Hunter Wohler brought down tailback Devin Mockobee for no gain. Purdue was forced to kick a field goal to trim its deficit to 14-3. The second came when Purdue had a first-and-goal from the 4. Inside linebacker Jake Chaney stuffed Mockobee for a 1-yard loss. Defensive linemen Elijah Hills and Curt Neal then generated hurries to force incompletions and another Purdue field goal. The Boilermakers never scored again.
Wisconsin’s defense was active and aggressive in a way that had been missing earlier in the season. Safety Kamo’i Latu forced a fumble that safety Braedyn Moore recovered. The Badgers notched six tackles for loss, three sacks and five pass breakups. This was a game upon which defensive coordinator Mike Tressel can build.
Crucial stretch
Wisconsin’s game against Purdue marked the start of a critical three-game stretch that will go a long way toward determining the Badgers’ postseason fate. Dispatching Purdue in the way Wisconsin did has to give players optimism about what things look like when they put a full game together. Can that be replicated during the next two road games against Rutgers and Northwestern?
Wisconsin improved to 3-2 overall and 1-1 in Big Ten play. The Badgers will need strong performances to ensure they play in a bowl game for a 23rd consecutive season — particularly with games against Penn State, Iowa, Oregon and Nebraska before closing the regular season against Minnesota.
Fickell said during the week that he believed his program was taking “baby steps” toward progress. Wisconsin’s victory against Purdue represented a small step in the right direction.
(Top photo: Jeff Hanisch / Imagn Images)
