New QBs Take the Spotlight: Wisconsin vs. Purdue in Big Ten Showdown

Quarterbacks will be in the limelight tonight as the Badgers face off against the Boilermakers.

Sep 16, 2023; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Tanner Mordecai (8) during the game against the Georgia Southern Eagles at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports / © Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

As the Big Ten season is underway, the spotlight is shining brightly on the quarterbacks leading the Wisconsin Badgers and the Purdue Boilermakers. Tonight’s game marks the first Big Ten match for both teams, and it should be an exciting event.

Tanner Mordecai: A Texan's Journey to the Badgers

Originally from Waco, Texas, Tanner Mordecai transferred in the offseason from SMU. During his time with the Mustangs, he participated in 24 games and racked up an impressive 76 touchdowns. Mordecai once scored 9 touchdowns in a single game against Houston on November 10, 2022.

Mordecai has hit the ground running since his move to Wisconsin, starting all three games for the Badgers this season. His stats are already promising: he's tallied 4 touchdowns—1 against Buffalo, 1 against Washington State, and 2 against Georgia Southern. What’s more, he's amassed 702 passing yards.

© Alex Martin/Journal and Courier / USA TODAY NETWORK

Hudson Card: A Longhorn Becomes a Boilermaker

Hudson Card, who hails from the University of Texas, is steering the ship for the Purdue Boilermakers this season. During his three seasons as a Longhorn, he participated in 22 games, with 11 touchdowns scored for them.

In his new role at Purdue, Card has participated in all three games so far. He’s scored 3 touchdowns—2 against Fresno State and 1 against Syracuse—while also throwing for a notable 825 passing yards.

Final Thoughts

Both Mordecai and Card have shown that they can adapt and contribute to their respective teams. As they square off tonight, this game may be less about the established history of these Big Ten teams and more about the future each quarterback represents.

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