Wisconsin Badgers need to keep a level head this week. Badgers could easily look past Purdue and find themselves in a fight with the Boilermakers with a Top 15 matchup looming with Minnesota. If both teams win on Saturday, it is likely the most hyped Paul Bunyan Axe game of all-time. But they need to keep their focus on Purdue this week as a heavy favorite, as they’re an overwhelming 24.5 point favorite. Even though Boilermakers have been playing better of late, Wisconsin should be able to handle their business.

THREE STORYLINES TO WATCH
1. Jonathan Taylor can run wild yet again – Purdue is not very good at stopping the run. They are 10th out of 12th in the Big Ten when it comes to that category. And they haven’t played Ohio State or Wisconsin, two of the best at running the football. That could spell big trouble for the Boilermakers. Taylor will have a chance to have three straight games of 200 yards or more on the ground. He has never done that in his Badgers’ career. I’ll remind you last year he ran for 321 versus this defense.

2. Protecting the blindside – One bit of news that came out this week for the Badgers is their left tackle Cole Van Lanen will be out of with an injury. He suffered a concussion last week and will be sidelined. That’s a big loss. Tyler Beach will take his place. This will be Beach’s first career college start. Jack Coan will need to be aware of that blindside.

3. Will the Badgers defense come back to life? – Wisconsin’s defense was a storyline of the college football season to begin the year. Since the Illinois upset, it has not been much of anything. Badgers have allowed 38-22-21 in their last three games. Is this a regression from all the success early in the year? They’re still a good defense, but it could be some evening itself out.

PREDICTED PLAYER OF THE GAME
Jonathan Taylor – This is a little SnoTapWI Gambling Hour tip, take the over in rushing yards for Taylor. I know it will be high but ride that baby, he’s going to run wild.

PREDICTION
Wisconsin has owned Purdue in Camp Randall. That has been a house of horrors for the Boilermakers, and I don’t think there is any true signs of stopping. With Purdue’s inability to stop the run, this spells a massive day for Taylor. Wisconsin 38 Purdue 17

Charlie.