Wisconsin and Purdue are two Big Ten teams headed into completely opposite directions in the heart of conference play

Wisconsin got the easy win it needed against Purdue to improve to 3-2 and set itself up for a key stretch to the season.

The Boilermakers keep taking steps back on offense, and the defense and special teams joined them in that regression Saturday vs. Wisconsin.

Wisconsin got some unexpected news on Thursday, when longtime running back Chez Mellusi announced that he was stepping away from the program due to a health-related reason. In the first game without their veteran, Tawee Walker filled the RB1 role during the Badgers' 52-6 blowout win over Purdue.

Badgers coach Luke Fickell wants to tighten the team's running back rotation to give the ball carriers a greater chance to get into a rhythm and get hot.

We want to let people know that Chez is going to be stepping away from the team for now and working to get his body healthy,” the statement said. “He’s endured many injur