Wisconsin vs. Purdue: Can History Predict the Outcome of Their Next Clash?

The Wisconsin Badgers and Purdue Boilermakers renew their rivalry tonight at 6 p.m. CST

KRT SPORTS STORY SLUGGED: WISCONSIN-PURDUE KRT PHOTOGRAPH BY JOE KOSHOLLEK/MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL (October 16) WEST LAFAYETTE, IN -- Purdue Quarterback Kyle Orton (18) fumbles the ball as he his hit by Wisconsin's Robert Brooks (42). Scott Starks of Wisconsin returned the fumble for a game-winning touchdown. Wisconsin defeated Purdue, 20-17, in West Lafayette, Indiana, on October 16, 2004. (cdm) 2004 ORG XMIT: 1010992 Krt Sports Wisconsin Pur 1 Mw :: © Joe Koshollek / Journal Sentinel files, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel via Imagn Content Services, LLC

As the Wisconsin Badgers prepare for their showdown with the Purdue Boilermakers this Friday at 6 p.m. in West Lafayette, Indiana, the stakes have never been higher. Not only are they looking to extend their dominant 16-game winning streak against Purdue, but both teams will also feature new quarterbacks making their Big Ten starts.

The Weight of History: The Badgers' Long-Standing Dominance

Wisconsin took on Purdue for the first time on October 19, 1892. While they failed to secure a win in that game, they have gone on to dominate the Boilermakers 52 times. On the other hand, Purdue has only claimed victory against Wisconsin 29 times in the 89 games they've competed in. The Wisconsin Badgers have won 16 straight matchups since 2003. Their last win against Perdue was on October 22, 2022, 130 years after their first clash, and the Badgers earned a 35-24 victory.

The Fickell Factor: Aiming for a Winning Start in Big Ten

The game marks Head Coach Luke Fickell's first Big Ten contest as the head of the Wisconsin Badgers. Will his strategies end in a victory, extending the Badgers' remarkable winning streak against the Boilermakers? Only time will tell.

Sep 9, 2023; Pullman, Washington, USA; Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Tanner Mordecai (8) throws a pass against the Washington State Cougars in the first half at Gesa Field at Martin Stadium / © James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

New Faces, New Challenges: Quarterbacks Making Their Big Ten Debuts

The quarterback matchup is sure to be interesting. Tanner Mordecai, the new Badger QB who transferred from SMU this offseason, will be making his Big Ten debut. Meanwhile, Purdue's Hudson Card, who began his career with Texas, will also be taking the helm for the first time in a Big Ten game. This sets the stage for a potentially unpredictable encounter as both will be looking to make a strong start.

Final Thoughts

As the clock ticks down to this Big Ten showdown, both teams have much to prove. The Badgers are facing the challenge of not only continuing their winning streak but also overcoming the slow starts they've been plagued with this season, while Purdue will be trying to flip the script. With a new head coach aiming for his first Big Ten win and two new quarterbacks making their Big Ten starts, this game promises to be worth watching.