The Badgers defense held up their end, allowing just 2.5 yards per rush and 333 total yards to the potent Cougars offense.
Wisconsin lost 31-22 to an ultra-pass heavy Washington State squad thanks to a brutal three fumbles, including one that was returned for a touchdown to give Wazzu a 24-9 first half lead. Despite Hudson Card throwing for 323 yards with Purdue posting an 86% post-game win expectancy, their four turnovers spelled doom for an emboldened Syracuse offense that rolled up 271 rushing yards in the contest. Purdue is coming off a disappointing 35-20 loss to Syracuse where two, first-half fumbles led directly to touchdowns, putting the Boilermakers in a 21-7 hole. Not to be outdone, the 48.5 point total gradually increased until hitting it’s zenith of 55.5 points around 10AM Sunday before settling in a TD higher at 54.5. It then careened back up to -6.5 where it currently sits. The game line hopped on a rollercoaster, opening at +7.5 late Saturday night before dropping down to 4.5 at 11AM in Sunday morning trading.
This Friday night showdown features two new HCs who are coaching in their very first Big Ten conference games in Luke Fickell and Ryan Walters.
