Purdue blown out by Wisconsin

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Purdue's football team struggled to stay competitive for the second week in a row as the Boilers were routed by Wisconsin 38-14. Last week the Boilers lost in a blow out to Michigan 44-13.

“It’s Very disappointing that we didn't play better as a team. Sometimes things don't go right and it starts to snowball, the other team gets a bigger lead and they gain momentum and we lost momentum several times today throughout the course of the game,” said head coach Danny Hope. “That was tough for our football team. I really believe our football team will rally back and lock arms and come back and make a great season out of the games that we have left to play,” said Hope

Purdue started quick against the Badgers as the Boilers scored on their second play on offense when Caleb TerBush shoved his way in for the score from a yard out. Purdue took a 7-0 lead. However, Purdue wouldn't post anymore points until the final minutes of the fourth quarter. Purdue's second touchdown came on an 81 yard run by Akeem Hunt.

Purdue's defense was pushed around the entire game. The Boilers gave up 467 yards rushing and 645 yards of total offense to the Badgers. Wisconsin's Montee Ball rushed for 247 yards and three touchdowns in the win. Ball also set the Big Ten record for most rushing touchdowns in a career with 72. He surpassed former Badger Ron Dayne who had a total of 71 rushing touchdowns.

“We are brothers and we are a family and that is going to be the mentality that we are going to keep. If someone is down, someone has to step up and help that other person out. We didn't come out today and play like men. Wisconsin ran all over us and that is not acceptable,” said Landon Feichter.

“Right now all the guys in the locker room are just saying that we can still do a lot of things this year. I feel like everyone is still into it and everybody has faith in this team,” said Kawann Short.

Purdue's Caleb TerBush struggled for most of the game. He completed just 7-16 passes for 80 yards and one interception.

This game was a pivotal game for both teams in the Leaders Division of the Big Ten. Both Ohio State and Penn State can't compete in the postseason due to breaking NCAA rules. That has opened up the opportunity for either Purdue or Wisconsin to gain some ground on making a trip to the Big Ten title game. However, with the loss Purdue drops to 0-2 in Big Ten play while Wisconsin improves to 2-1.

“We just have to play harder, as you can see we lost these two really bad and we just have to get better. We have to come together as a team and we have to show what we worked for all off-season and we just have to play,” said Ricardo Allen.

It doesn't get any easier for the (3-3) Boilers. Purdue travels next Saturday to face Ohio State.