MADISON, WI (WSAU) — Wisconsin rode a hot start from QB Graham Mertz to a 21-0 first-quarter lead over Purdue and never looked back for a 35-24 homecoming win on Saturday.
Mertz recorded two passing TD’s in the opening frame including a 29-yard strike to Skyler Bell to open the scoring. He also found Chimere Dike from three yards out.
Braelon Allen and Isaac Guerendo added rushing touchdowns in the second half. Wisconsin also got a pick-six from John Torchio early in the game.
Wisconsin held a 35-10 lead after three. Purdue did run off 14 unanswered in the final quarter.
Mertz finished the game with 13 completions for 203 yards and two scores. He did not throw a pick.
Allen recorded 113 rushing yards and one score. Guerendo added 72 yards in the winning effort.
Torchio recorded ten tackles in addition to one defensive touchdown.
Wisconsin improved to 4-4 (2-3 B1G) and will continue their two-game homestand in two weeks against Maryland.
