Wisconsin-Purdue: A Badger's Take on the Brawl with the Boilermakers

A bye week could not have come at a better time for the Wisconsin Badgers.

After winning their first five games, the Badgers struggled offensively in two losses to Iowa and Ohio State.

The reason for those struggles? Their inability to run the football consistently, and the failure of offensive coordinator Paul Chryst to make adjustments so that they can do so.

In the Ohio State game, this was demonstrated by turning the ball over.

Then in the Iowa game, the same scenario repeated itself.

The Badgers were able to move the ball but unable to hang onto it.

Chryst has placed too much on the shoulders of first year quarterback Scott Tolzien.

Tolzien has struggled the last three games, and the recipe for the success of this Baddger team calls for Clay, Clay, and more Clay.

A back as big as Clay is often more effective in the second half, with his punishing running style, and deceptive speed, Clay will do more damage if given the ball more often in the second half.

While Tolzien was very, very good for his first four games, one could see he might struggle after his performance against Minnesota.

Tolzien will make some plays, but he should not be expected to make them all.

This Saturday looks like the game the Badgers need to emphasize the running game, as Purdue enters this game ranked ninth in the conference in rushing yards allowed per game, and the Badgers are third in rushing yards gained.

After facing the two toughest defenses in the Big Ten, the Badgers will need to run Clay early, and run Clay often. The success of Tolzien's passing game will be predicated on the Badgers being able to effectively use playaction.

The Badgers will be the favorite to win this game at home, but Purdue has a potent offense and has started to force some turnovers and limit mistakes.

The Boilermakers lead the conference in giveaways with 23, while Wisconsin has given away the second most, 15.

Should the Badgers make mistakes, such as they have made in each of their last three games, i.e. fumble and interception returns for touchdowns, expect the opportunistic Purdue defense to take advantage.

On the Badgers' defensive side of the ball, linebacker Mike Taylor will be out for the rest of the season. The Badgers replace him with Freshman special teams sensation, Chris Borland.

The linebackers and secondary have been unexpected weak spots on this sometimes porous defense. They have shown flashes of brilliance—Michigan State, Ohio State—and flashes of sheer stupidity—Michigan State, Iowa.

Should the Badgers find a way to slow down Purdue's passing attack, and they never let running back Ralph Bolden gash them for a big play, they can play ball control football, and run, run, run.

Expect a tight game in the first half, 14-10 at halftime, with the Badgers pulling away in the second half for a 28-17 victory.

Should the Badgers fail to get Clay involved early and often, there will be another upset by Boilermakers.