Purdue @ Wisconsin preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 19, 2016 ) Wisconsin 49, Purdue 20

Wisconsin might already have passed the most difficult test on its Big Ten West schedule, but bigger goals remain. The sixth-ranked Badgers will try to stay undefeated and stay on course for a spot in the Big Ten championship game when they host Purdue on Saturday.

Wisconsin earned a 38-17 win at Nebraska last weekend and will play only one ranked team the rest of the way -- home against No. 16 Michigan on Nov. 18 -- but is focused on continuing to improve. "I still think we have things to work on," running back Jonathon Taylor said, according to USA Today. "But as you can see, we're a very good team. We still have a way to go but once we become that complete team, we're going to do some special things." The Boilermakers are on the uptick under first-year head coach Jeff Brohm and own a defense strong enough to overcome four turnovers from the offense in a 31-17 win over Minnesota last week. Purdue is no stranger to top-level competition and will be playing its third top-20 opponent this season against the Badgers after home losses to Louisville and Michigan.

TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, Big Ten Network. LINE: Wisconsin -16.5

ABOUT PURDUE (3-2, 1-1 Big Ten): The Boilermakers offense is still figuring itself out under Brohm, and quarterback David Blough could be in danger of losing his starting job after being replaced in last week's win. Blough started the last three games but was a combined 11-of-23 for 91 yards against Michigan and Minnesota and was replaced in the second half last week by sophomore Elijah Sindelar. Sindelar failed to establish himself in two starts last month but came on in relief against the Gophers and led Purdue to the win while completing 19-of-26 passes for 248 yards and a score.

ABOUT WISCONSIN (5-0, 2-0): The Badgers have a history of great running backs and are establishing another in Taylor, who rushed for 249 yards on 25 carries in the win at Nebraska. Taylor, who owns nine rushing TDs in his first five games, is the second running back in school history (Ron Dayne, 1996) to have multiple 200-yard performances as a true freshman. Taylor's efforts are helping the offense average 40.2 points and 257.6 yards on the ground.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Wisconsin's defense has allowed a total of 14 second-half points.

2. Purdue RB Markell Jones (knee) returned from a three-game absence last week and recorded 52 yards and a TD on 12 carries.

3. The Badgers are winners of 11 straight in the series, including a 49-20 triumph at the Boilermakers last season.

PREDICTION: Wisconsin 35, Purdue 17