Little can be said about this weekend's football game between the top two teams in the Big Ten that has not already been said on the UW campus.
This weekend's game marks one of the most highly anticipated games in the country. Finally, the Big Ten gets some of the respect it deserves, as two undefeated teams, Wisconsin (3-0 Big Ten, 6-0 overall) and Purdue (2-0, 5-0), will clash in West Lafayette, Ind.
The two teams have completely different approaches to football, but this season have shared the same end result--a few Saturday victories.
Purdue's offense-ranked third in the nation in yards per game, and helmed by Heisman front-runner junior quarterback Kyle Orton-has been winning by playing long-ball against opposing defenses.
UW, however, has a nearly polar opposite approach to the game. In the absence of senior tailback Anthony Davis, UW's defense stepped up and punished opposing teams. The defensive front four, comprised of seniors Anttaj Hawthorne, Erasmus James, Jason Jefferson and Jonathan Welsh, have dominated games and made scoring touchdowns a unique experience for offenses.
\Every defense wants to think that they're going to be the best. We've been working real hard. Coach Bielema has been helping us out a lot and we're just getting better,"" Hawthorne said of the defensive line's performance.
During Davis' injury, the offense was certainly less than potent, scoring only 42 points in the three games he missed. Davis, however, has more than made his return from injury noticeable, scoring four touchdowns in the last two games.
While Davis has made considerable contributions to the offense, sophomore quarterback John Stocco did some growing up in last week's game against Ohio State. Stocco was 15-of-24 for 160 yards with two touchdowns-his best performance of the year.
Taking on Purdue will be a test for the Badgers for sure. Orton alone is a formidable force and he will also have senior wideout Taylor Stubblefield as a ready target. The Badgers' secondary, especially senior cornerback Scott Starks, will have their hands full trying to keep Stubblefield off balance.
""[Stubblefield] has got great ball skills and tremendous awareness of the football. He is in sync with what they are trying to do and a really fun player to watch,"" Wisconsin offensive coordinator Brian White said.
The game plan for the Badgers' defense will not be complicated. Purdue has yet to face a defense as effective as UW's, so the Badgers will try to put pressure on Orton early and often.
Orton has thrown only two interceptions all year, both coming in last Saturday's game against Penn State. The Badgers must increase that number, or at least force Orton to make some mistakes, in order to give themselves a better chance. So far the defensive line has been able to give the Badger secondary plenty of opportunities to make plays, but with Orton's quick releases, the secondary may be on their own.
""We need to step up. [The Boilermakers] are going to throw the ball a lot more than anybody else has thrown the ball. It's just like when a team runs the ball a lot. The D-line needs to step up, and when they throw the ball, the secondary needs to step up. It's going to be a big test for us,"" said junior cornerback Brett Bell of UW's secondary.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Badgers will need to rely on their established running back Davis, and will likely mix in some carries from junior fullback Matt Bernstein.
Stocco's play may be the key to UW's success come Saturday. To start the game, the Boilermakers will most likely put eight men in the box in an effort to stop Davis.
Unless Stocco is able to produce and give the Badgers at least a respectable passing game, the Purdue defense will be able to hone in and limit UW's best offensive threat.
If Stocco is able to get the ball to his receivers, he has plenty to choose from. Despite receiving some criticism, senior wideouts Darrin Charles, junior Brandon Williams and junior wide receive Owen Daniels are all able to make plays once they grab the ball.
The Badgers can, however, look to the fact that only three players have started more than 10 games for the Boilermakers. This is an inexperienced defense to say the least, and it is up to the Badgers to take advantage of them.
Needless to say, this game is huge for both teams. The Badgers and the Boilermakers are ranked No. 10 and No. 5, respectively, in the Associated Press poll, so each team stands to gain substantially in the national rankings from a win.
The winner of this game will also become the obvious frontrunner for the Big Ten title and a Rose Bowl berth, and even a national championship vote or two.
For the Badgers, this game will be a test of the best aspects of their game. The defense will be tested by one of the best quarterbacks in the league, while Davis will be tested heavily if Stocco cannot open things up.
Wisconsin and Purdue have a date with destiny this weekend and the nation will be watching.
