Wisconsin Football: Grading the Badgers' Win vs. Purdue

Wisconsin bounced back from consecutive losses in a big way Saturday by routing Purdue, 62-17.

After a close first quarter, the Badgers outscored the Boilers 48-7 on their way to an easy victory.

Wisconsin is now 7-2 heading into their matchup next week with arch rival Minnesota.

Click through the slideshow to see how individual players and units fared against Purdue.

Quarterbacks: A

Quarterback Russell Wilson was once again the model of efficiency Saturday, completing 15 of his 20 passes for just over 200 yards and two scores.

When Wilson wasn't throwing, he was running for 76 yards and a touchdown.

Running Backs: A+

Heisman voters should really take notice of Wisconsin tailback Montee Ball.

Against Purdue Saturday, Ball ran for 223 yards and three touchdowns while averaging more than 11 yards per carry.

For as good as Wilson has been, Montee Ball is no doubt the key to the Badgers' offense.

Wide Receivers: B

It must be a good day on the ground when Jeff Duckworth leads the team in receiving yards.

Nothing spectacular from the pass-catchers, but a solid effort on the way to an easy victory.

Offensive Line: A+

After struggling in back-to-back losses against Michigan State and Ohio State, the big guys up front came to play against Purdue.

Russell Wilson was sacked just once, and the Badgers ran off more than 350 yards on the ground.

The win Saturday was a nice bounce-back game for a unit that didn't look good at all last week against the Buckeyes.

Defensive Line: B

The Badgers' D-line didn't record a sack on Saturday, but the Purdue quarterbacks were never able to get into rhythm.

Four yards per carry from the Boilermakers was too much, but it never hurt Wisconsin.

Linebackers: A+

Chris Borland and Mike Taylor were monsters again on Saturday, combining for 20 tackles, 3.5 TFL's, two forced fumbles and two interceptions.

When these two are on, Wisconsin has one of the best defenses in the country.

Secondary: A

The Boilermakers' passing game was essentially non-existent Saturday, as both Caleb TerBush and Robert Marve struggled to move the ball on a consistent basis.

For Badgers fans, it was a welcome sight that no last-minute Hail Marys occurred.

Special Teams: A

Special teams didn't cost Wisconsin this game, and that was a big step for the Badgers.

Another game-changing blocked punt would have caused Madison to explode.

Coaching: A

Credit Wisconsin coach Bret Bielema for having his team ready to play after two straight crushing losses.

With a little bit of luck, the Badgers can still sneak into the Big Ten title game, as long as Bielema keeps them focused and in the win column.  

Intangibles: B+

Routing Purdue was a nice bounce-back for Wisconsin after two miserable weeks of last-minute losses.

There's not going to be a national title in Madison this year, but the Rose Bowl is still within reach as long as Wisconsin keeps winning.