Wisconsin-Purdue Could Decide Leaders Division


Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

Sure it’s only the beginning of October and there is plenty of Big Ten football to be played, but the winner of the Wisconsin and Purdue game this Saturday in West Lafayette has a good chance of winning the Leaders Division and potentially playing for a shot at the Rose Bowl.

Both teams currently aren’t 1-2 a top the standings, nope, that belongs to Ohio State and Penn State. With both teams ineligible for the postseason, the division will most likely be decided in the head to head matchup between the Badgers and the Boilermakers. Indiana and Illinois don’t look like squads who can rebound from their 0-2 starts in conference play, and haven’t shown either team can keep a lead.

Purdue will be sticking with Caleb TerBush at quarterback and Wisconsin will continue to let Joel Stave lead the Badgers offense. The running game made strides last week against Illinois, but with the Illini defense having a down year, their real test will come Saturday against the Boilers D-line led by Kawan Short.

It’s just one game and anything can happen during the rest of the season, but both teams know this game is an important one since the Big Ten tie breaker comes down to a head to head matchup. Purdue head coach Danny Hope has received a lot of criticism so far this season after the Boilers slow start. You might remember him saying this was the most talented group he’s had since he’s been there.

It’s time for them to start playing like it.

Will Wilson is a writer for Rant Sports covering College Football and the Big Ten Conference.

Follow Will on Twitter: @GoPackGo1