After Northwestern took the Big Ten West, some might ask what are the Badgers playing for? It’s a good question considering they’re already bowl eligible, and the team is one of the biggest disappointments in college football. If Wisconsin finishes strong, they still get an eight-win season out of Paul Chryst’s bunch. The last time Wisconsin won less than eight games was 2008. In fact, it’s only happened four times since 1993. While Wisconsin dealing with down year, Purdue is on the rise. They have a talented freshman in Rondale Moore, and a team that could be on everyone’s watch list next year. They did have a terrible loss to Minnesota that cost them a chance at the Big Ten West, but they’re very talented plus playing well at home. That said, this team faces some turmoil heading into this week’s game.

Where are Purdue’s players’ heads at this week – You have to wonder, right? Jeff Brohm, the Boilermakers head coach, and the reason for the rebuild at Purdue is rumored to be leaving to take the Louisville job. ESPN and local Indianapolis radio show host Dan Dakich reported he’s as good as gone come November 26th after the Boilermakers wrap up their season. Players see this type of thing, and even if Brohm is telling them differently, this team might not be playing with their heads completely in the game.

Another chance for Jack Coan – All signs point to another Jack Coan start on Saturday as Alex Hornibrook still battles with a head injury. Coan needs to be more productive through the air. Badgers do not need Aaron Rodgers, but they need some passing offense to not make them completely one dimensional. I wonder if we see Garrett Groshek get involved in the passing game and provide Coan a regular safety valve.

Have to stop Rondale Moore – Badgers’ defensive problems have not been through the air. Rather, the struggles come with stopping the run. That might help out with trying to contain the obvious Big Ten Freshman of the Year Rondale Moore. He’s a stud and a game-changer at receiver. Badgers are going to need to keep him under wraps as much as possible. He will get his but Wisconsin needs to make sure he’s contained for the greater part of the game.

Prediction: Badgers haven’t lost three straight since 2008 when they dropped four straight games. That will still stand as Wisconsin scores a solid road victory over Purdue on Saturday. Boilermakers have too much outside things going on and think their heads might not be in this one. Coan does enough and Jonathan Taylor continues to the damn thing. Wisconsin 21-17

Charlie.