Badgers Steam Past Boilermakers » Brats & Beer

October 22, 2006
posted under: Badgers football

Despite some miscues on offense and special teams, Wisconsin’s defense came through again to lead the Badgers to a 24-3 victory on the road over Purdue. UW held the Boilermakers in check with just 299 total yards, limited them to just three of 14 third down conversions, and stopped three attempts to convert on fourth down.

It was a good day for P.J. Hill, who rushed for 161 yards and two touchdowns despite a slow start in the first half against a determined Purdue defense. John Stocco had to go to the air 21 times, completing 13 passes for 201 yards. Paul Hubbard had four catches for 80 yards.

There were still a lot of mistakes, though, that could have cost the Badgers. Stocco was picked off by a defensive tackle in the first half, and later muffed a snap when he was trying to spike the ball with the clock running down. That cost the Badgers a chance at a field goal just before halftime.

The worst, though, was in the second half when Zack Hampton tried to pick a punt up off the ground but couldn’t get a grip on the ball. Luckily Ben Strickland was there to fall on the ball and retain possession for UW. I swear at some point that Hampton kid is going to cost the Badgers big if they don’t either coach him correctly or replace him on punt return duty.

With their big road win, Wisconsin advances to 7-1 overall and 4-1 in the Big 10. The Badgers are in sole possession of third place in the conference with home games against Illinois and Penn State coming up. Things are shaping up mighty well for UW football to be featured in a prominent bowl game come January.