When the 2004 football season began, not many experts were looking at a game in mid-October between figured middle-of-the-pack dwellers Purdue and Wisconsin as one that would play a crucial role in deciding the Big Ten.
But, as Big Boi says, "Everything in life don't always happen like you planned it;" and with the Badgers heading to West Lafayette at 6-0 to take on the 5-0 Boilermakers, this game could do just that.
With a lot of season left to play, it's too early to measure the eventual importance that this matchup will bear. But, undeniably, Saturday will be a big game for both Purdue and Wisconsin and could play a significant role in deciding a Big Ten champion down the line.
The key to the Boilermakers' success this season has been the bionic arm of quarterback Kyle Orton. While it might be aiming high to think the Badgers can shut down a force like Orton, here are five keys to a Badger victory this weekend:
1) Keep Stocco on a roll: Quarterback John Stocco had a breakout performance last weekend against Ohio State as he went 15 for 24 with 160 passing yards and two touchdowns. He'll have to find a way to build on that success this weekend against a Boilermaker secondary that has given up and average of 250.2 passing yards per game. The Badgers' defense can only do so much and Stocco's arm could be the difference between a Boilermaker blowout and a Badger upset.
That also means running back Anthony Davis will have to continue his success. Since coming back from an eye injury, Davis has run for 213 yards against Illinois and 168 yards against Ohio State. Running performances like that keep the pressure off of Stocco and allow him to open up the passing game.
2) Pressure Orton at the line: One way to at least slow down Orton is to pressure him with the pass rush. Wisconsin has done a good job getting to the quarterback this year, leading the Big Ten with 20 sacks, and it will need that kind of attack this weekend to try to disrupt Orton's rhythm. Many teams have tried different kinds of schemes and blitzing packages against Orton, but Orton is a smart quarterback who can recognize the blitz and will bring somebody in at the last minute for extra protection. To get to Orton, the Badgers will have to rely on a good, old-fashioned pass rush.
3) Contain Taylor Stubblefield: Orton's favorite target this year has been wideout Taylor Stubblefield. The two have hooked up for 11 touchdowns already this season, including a 97-yarder. Stubblefield is averaging 113.6 receiving yards per game and he is part of the reason for Orton's success this season. The Badgers will have to play Stubblefield physically, keeping him from using his speed to get down the field.
4) Keep it close: The last thing the Badgers want to do this weekend is to fall too far behind the Boilermakers. Any deficit more than a couple of possessions will be tough ground to make up against Purdue's high-powered offense. The Boilermakers have a good enough defense to keep a lead when the offense procures it, and the fact that the Badgers are playing at West Lafayette doesn't help either. Despite a great performance last week, the Badgers' offense hasn't proven itself yet as a consistently productive unit. If the Badgers fall too far behind too early, the game could be over before it has a chance to start.
5) Win the battle of field position: In order to outscore the Boilermakers for four quarters, the Badgers will need a shorter field than Purdue. Wisconsin's defense has to get stops and force Purdue to punt the ball where Jim Leonhard, the Big Ten's all time leading punt returner, can get his hands on the ball and hopefully put the Badgers in a position to score. Wisconsin also needs to move the ball effectively from its end of the field in order to make sure Purdue doesn't get too many opportunities to start from its own 40 or closer.
This will be the marquee game of the weekend in the Big Ten. The team that wins will be able to look down on the rest of the Big Ten as the lone undefeated team while looking up at a select few teams in the NCAA and the BCS. If Davis and Stocco have big games and the UW defense is able to procure any amount of falter in Orton, Wisconsin could be that team by Saturday night.
