Football Wisconsin 49, Purdue 20
Boiler downer
Purdue overpowered by Wisconsin on senior day
WEST LAFAYETTE — Jake Replogle wanted to make his final game at Ross-Ade Stadium memorable.
The senior defensive tackle had four tackles, including one for a loss, on Wisconsin's first possession Saturday as part of an inspired beginning for Purdue.
But then the seemingly inevitable transpired.
The No. 6 Badgers took control for a 49-20 Big Ten win on a chilly senior day for the Boilermakers in front of a sparse crowd.
Replogle finished with eight tackles for Purdue (3-8, 1-7), including 2.5 for loss. He missed four of the previous five games with what has been described as headaches, and did not complete the other game at Minnesota.
But he left his mark in his return against Wisconsin (9-2, 6-2).
“It's emotional,” Replogle said. “It's hard not to think about how fast everything's gone by. Walking out on the field for the last time with these guys, it was a pleasure and an honor.
“It's hard watching your guys play and not being out there with them. I can't say how much it means to be out there with that ‘P' on my chest and playing with my boys.”
Senior defensive lineman Evan Panfil tried to absorb as much as possible as he departed the field.
“Win, lose or draw, most of us feel the same way about Ross-Ade and Purdue and what it means,” he said. “It hasn't been the greatest tenure, but I wouldn't want to be anywhere else on this Saturday.”
Interim coach Gerad Parker expressed his love, respect and appreciation for the outgoing class.
“What a special day for our seniors and a special week,” he said. “What they've given to this program, given to me, during this tough time has been unmatched. I can't say thanks enough.
“It's been an honor to be their head coach for a few weeks and live out a dream.”
The Boilermakers dreamed big against the Badgers, carrying a 3-0 lead into the second quarter. But Wisconsin erupted for five touchdowns in less than eight minutes, including two in eight seconds, to take a 35-10 halftime lead. Three interceptions helped fuel the outburst.
Alec Ingold's 1-yard TD gave Wisconsin its first points with 8:34 left in the half. Eight seconds later, T.J. Watt returned an interception 17 yards for a score, after David Blough rolled to his left and threw the ball into the arms of the leaping linebacker.
Bradrick Shaw added a 7-yard TD run with 3:03 left in the half. On the next play, T.J. Edwards picked off Blough's deflected pass, with the quarterback unsuccessfully trying to knock down the ball. Bart Houston followed with a 19-yard TD pass to Ingold with 2:49 left in the half.
“The turnovers, it feels like the same story, just a different day,” Blough said. “It's frustrating.
“I felt like it was one big joke to start off the game — a batted ball, a batted ball. But it's gone and we're going to give Indiana everything we have.”
Senior wide receiver DeAngelo Yancey finished with six catches for 155 yards and two TDs, including a 75-yarder for the Boilermakers' only points as the Badgers scored 35 in the second quarter.
He also savored the ceremony before the game.
“I was proud walking up to my dad and my auntie, and giving coach Parker a hug — he's like my second dad,” Yancey said. “I just took it all in and tried to appreciate it.”
All that remains for Purdue is next week's Old Oaken Bucket game at Indiana and the hiring of a new coach, likely shortly thereafter. The Hoosiers have won three straight games in the series for the first time since they won four straight from 1944-1947.
“It's all about getting this team ready to go, and going to Bloomington and finding a way to bring the Bucket back home,” Parker said.
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