Badgers predictions: Game 4 vs. Purdue

By foxsports
Published

Big Ten season begins for Wisconsin this Saturday, but this week's predictions are similar to what we saw in the Badgers' first two weeks - namely everyone picking UW to win.
Shouldn't be a surprise, of course, as Wisconsin is a 24-point favorite over Purdue. Have a feeling next week's picks will be a lot different.
But until then, here's the predictions from around the web for Wisconsin-Purdue:
Our own Jesse Temple via his Know the Foe series: Wisconsin 38, Purdue 17 
The Associated Press' Ralph D. Russo: Wisconsin 37, Purdue 17
All four Big Ten Network analysts are picking Wisconsin to win. The scores: Brent Yarina 47-10, Sean Merriman 38-14, Tom Dienhart 44-13 and Stephen Bardo 31-21.
Collegefootballnews.com: Wisconsin 41, Purdue 17 "The Badgers won’t leave this one up to the officials in the final moments. Up big, Joel Stave will come back into the game in the waning moments to show the home crowd that he knows how to take a knee."
Whatifsports.com simulation: Wisconsin given a 70.3% chance of winning with an average margin of victory of 27.1-18.1.
We're back to all six CBSSports.com analysts picking Wisconisn to win. However, only three think the Badgers will cover the 24.5-point spread.
CBSSports.com's Bruce Feldman: Wisconsin 34, Purdue 7. "The Badgers return home after a heartbreaking loss in Arizona State to face the listless Boilermakers offense. Purdue has been stout on D (No. 27 against the run) but the Badgers' ground attack, averaging a nation-leading 8.9 yards per carry on first downs, will prove too potent."
Following course, all four Athlon Sports analysts are picking Wisconsin to win. The scores: 41-20, 31-10, 31-13, 35-10.
ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg and Brian Bennett: Rittenberg --Wisconsin 34, Purdue 21. " No officiating blunders in this one as Wisconsin starts a bit slowly before getting Melvin Gordon and the run game going in the second half. Gordon records his first 20-carry performance and racks up 180 yards and two touchdowns. Purdue jumps out to an early lead but once again struggles in the fourth quarter."; Bennett – Wisconsin 42, Purdue 14. "Purdue hasn't been able to stop the Wisconsin running game the past couple of years, and it's no different in this one. Gordon and James White each eclipse 100 yards and the Badgers take out some frustration on the Boilermakers."
The Oklahoman's Barry Tremel: Wisconsin 34, Purdue 16.