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WEST LAFAYETTE – Wisconsin’s offensive lines typically consist of big, tall, strong players who pose challenges for opposing defenses with their physical play.
But when Purdue defensive end Ryan Kerrigan watched tape of Wisconsin’s last two games, he noticed a potential key to overcoming the Badgers’ big men: Take it to them first.
Kerrigan said the key in Iowa’s victory was that the Hawkeyes made sure to be physical early and often with Wisconsin’s offensive line, and that helped produce four sacks. Ohio State had six against the Badgers the week before.
Wisconsin has three underclassmen up front – from center to right tackle – and its current starting line had only 33 starts combined entering the season. Left tackle Gabe Carimi had 30.
The group still fits the big mold – each player at least 6-foot-4, 315 pounds, and Carimi is 6-7, 325 – but Purdue’s front four thinks they may be able to take advantage of the inexperience and late struggles.
“We just have to come out hitting first, playing more aggressive at the beginning, all the way through,” defensive tackle Kawaan Short said. “We just have to play as a unit, and it takes care of itself.”
Purdue, led by Kerrigan, has has eight sacks the last two weeks and 13 in Big Ten play, third most in the league.
“This will be a real big step up for us,” Short said. “All of the lines we played were good, but these guys are one of the top lines. They’re better in all aspects. We have to come out and play hard and get back there.”
Purdue has used three players at fullback this season, and there’s no telling which one will line up leading the I-formation Saturday.
Dan Dierking played well in his first game last week, freeing Ralph Bolden and Jaycen Taylor with key lead blocks. Dierking played because he practiced hard and Hope thought Dierking deserved to be rewarded. The depth chart changes after each practice.
Frank Halliburton and Jared Crank also have played the position.
“(Dierking) gets the job done just about every time, just like he does in practice,” Hope said. “He sees things in front of him and makes good decisions.”
Receiver Royce Adams (knee) likely will miss his fourth straight game. … Cornerback David Pender has 31 career pass break-ups and needs five more to become the school’s all-time leader. … Purdue has scored 20 of 23 times inside the red zone, including 17 touchdowns.
