Purdue Rushing Defense A Concern For Badgers

Purdue’s rushing defense has improved from last year, but the Boilermakers still give up the Big Ten’s eleventh most rushing yards. The Wisconsin Badgers host Purdue Saturday, and they’ll face a defense that has given up 151 yards a game on the ground — much fewer than last year, when the Boilermakers gave up 238 rushing yards each week. Also, new coach Jeff Brohm has made it a priority to get opposing offenses off the field quickly — as the Purdue “D” forces the nation’s 20th best percentage by three and outs, 20 of 50 in that department. Badgers’ offensive coordinator Joe Rudolph will deal with a Purdue front seven that has five seniors, and Rudolph says he’s impressed with their talent and depth. The unbeaten and seventh ranked Badgers will play a Purdue team that’s 1-1 in the Big Ten and 3-2 overall.