By: Max Kappel

A dominant 38-17 victory on the road against Purdue answered somequestions but leaves a whole host of others as bye week looms.

The Wisconsin Badgers did not enter Big Ten play Friday night against Purdue without any criticisms or concerns. Paramount was their tendency to sluggish starts. Through three games, the Badgers were outscored 41-30 in the first half, including a deficit of 24-9 against Washington State. Their stellar play in third quarters propelled them to two wins, yet anxiety about their first half struggles persisted. Those worries quickly evaporated in the first quarter against Purdue.

Wisconsin QB Tanner Mordecai left his mark everywhere in a huge first quarter. After capping off a seven play drive with a six-yard touchdown, Mordecai led the Badgers (3-1, 1-0 Big Ten) in passing yards (20), rushing yards (19), and receiving yards (19). The rest of the team would also hit their stride; the Badgers converted seven straight third downs to start the game. They'd converted just 13-of-37 in their first three games. Part of that efficiency stemmed from the Badgers cleaning up penalties and negative yardage plays in key situations.

Purdue (1-3, 0-1 Big Ten), on the other hand, committed several costly penalties. Facing a 3rd-and-17 on their second drive, quarterback Hudson Card scrambled for 18 yards and the apparent first down before a holding call on right tackle Marcus Mbow negated the play. A false start call on their third drive stymied any hopes for a touchdown when it backed them up to a 3rd-and-18. 

Though they were unable to cap drives off, the Badgers remained strong in the second half. Braelon Allen ripped off a 52 yard run that would set up a 38 yard field goal for Nathaniel Vakos at 11:44 in the third quarter. On their following drive, Chimere Dike corralled in passes of 18 and 34 yards to set up a 22 yard field goal from Vakos.

Purdue's 276.7 passing yards given up this season looked like a prime spot for Mordecai to let loose. Instead, the Badgers featured a balanced attack en route to 193 passing yards and 209 rushing yards. Allen received a game high 16 carries, but Mordecai's 14 was a surprise second. He frequently found room both on scrambles and option runs. 

Unfortunately, Chez Mellusi, the other half of Wisconsin's dominant RB tandem, was carted off the field after he went down at the 6:37 mark in the third quarter with what looked like a leg or ankle injury. His team rushed to support him as he was assisted to the locker room. 

The Badgers will host Rutgers on October 7th.