WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Unable to find a rhythm on offense and committing five turnovers, the No. 25 Purdue football team fell to Wisconsin on Saturday at Ross-Ade Stadium 30-13. Wisconsin ran for 290 yards on 51 carries, throwing just eight passes.
Purdue's defense held firm over the opening 30 minutes, playing a significant role in the first half points. Down seven late in the first quarter, Jamari Brown stripped Wisconsin running back Braelon Allen, and Cam Allen recovered the ball on the Badgers' 39-yard line. Four plays later, O'Connell found Payne Durham on a 10-yard touchdown catch.
The defense put points on the board for the first time this year when George Karlaftis took a fumble recovery, again forced by Brown, 56 yards to the endzone to make it a 13-10 Purdue lead midway through the second. Standing firm after a Wisconsin interception returned to the 1-yard line, the Boilermakers forced the Badgers to settle for a 23-yard field goal for a 13-13 tie at the break.
Wisconsin broke the game open in the second half, taking its second drive of the half 94 yards in just three plays for a 20-13 lead.
After the two teams traded punts, Purdue drove to the Wisconsin 29, but O'Connell was intercepted and the Badgers took the ensuing drive 71 yards for paydirt and a 27-13 lead in the fourth quarter.
The Boilermakers worked through multiple quarterbacks with Aidan O'Connell, Jack Plummer and Austin Burton behind center. Tight end Payne Durham was an active target finishing with a career-high nine catches for 112 yards.
However, Purdue could get nothing going on the ground, amassing -13 yards rushing and just 206 yards of offense.
Defensive back Jamari Brown had his best as a Boilermaker forcing two fumbles, recording four tackles and one sack.The last time a Boilermaker forced two fumbles in a game was Ja'Whaun Bentley in 2017 against Louisville. Jaylen Alexander led the Boilermaker defense with 15 tackles.
The Boilermakers will hit the road next Saturday for a 3:30 p.m. (ET) kickoff at Nebraska.
Purdue's defense held firm over the opening 30 minutes, playing a significant role in the first half points. Down seven late in the first quarter, Jamari Brown stripped Wisconsin running back Braelon Allen, and Cam Allen recovered the ball on the Badgers' 39-yard line. Four plays later, O'Connell found Payne Durham on a 10-yard touchdown catch.
The defense put points on the board for the first time this year when George Karlaftis took a fumble recovery, again forced by Brown, 56 yards to the endzone to make it a 13-10 Purdue lead midway through the second. Standing firm after a Wisconsin interception returned to the 1-yard line, the Boilermakers forced the Badgers to settle for a 23-yard field goal for a 13-13 tie at the break.
Wisconsin broke the game open in the second half, taking its second drive of the half 94 yards in just three plays for a 20-13 lead.
After the two teams traded punts, Purdue drove to the Wisconsin 29, but O'Connell was intercepted and the Badgers took the ensuing drive 71 yards for paydirt and a 27-13 lead in the fourth quarter.
The Boilermakers worked through multiple quarterbacks with Aidan O'Connell, Jack Plummer and Austin Burton behind center. Tight end Payne Durham was an active target finishing with a career-high nine catches for 112 yards.
However, Purdue could get nothing going on the ground, amassing -13 yards rushing and just 206 yards of offense.
Defensive back Jamari Brown had his best as a Boilermaker forcing two fumbles, recording four tackles and one sack.The last time a Boilermaker forced two fumbles in a game was Ja'Whaun Bentley in 2017 against Louisville. Jaylen Alexander led the Boilermaker defense with 15 tackles.
The Boilermakers will hit the road next Saturday for a 3:30 p.m. (ET) kickoff at Nebraska.