MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin football team cruised past Purdue, 52-6, on Saturday at Camp Randall Stadium, extending its winning streak over the Boilermakers to 18 games in a streak that dates back to 2004.

The Badgers (3-2, 1-1 Big Ten) were propelled by 589 yards of total offense and a feisty defense that forced four turnovers. UW racked up its highest point total since a 66-3 win over New Mexico State in 2022 and its most points in a Big Ten game since 2021.

Quarterback Braedyn Locke threw for a career-high 359 yards in the contest, connecting on 21-of-30 attempts. His passing yards are the seventh-most in a game in school history (fourth most in a Big Ten game). Locke became the first Badger quarterback to throw for 300 yards in a Big Ten game since Joel Stave did so in a win over Purdue on Oct. 17, 2015.

Running back Tawee Walker and receiver Trech Kekahuna each had career days as well.

Walker rushed for 94 yards on 18 carries and posted three touchdowns. The Oklahoma transfer became the first UW running back to run for three touchdowns in a game since Braelon Allen did so over Nebraska in 2021.

Kekahuna finished the day with his first career touchdown, his first 100-yard game and the first multi touchdown game of his career. Overall, the Hawaii native finished with 134 yards on six catches with two touchdowns.

The UW defense laid the foundation for Saturday's victory by holding Purdue to 216 yards of total offense, which marked the lowest in the Luke Fickell era. The Boilermakers went just 1-of-11 on third-downs, UW's best performance since holding Rutgers to 1-of-11 in the 2021 meeting. The linebacker group led the way, including Sebastian Cheeks, who posted his first career sack and got involved in a second. Jaheim Thomas was the Badgers' leading tackler, recording six and adding a sack. Jake Chaney broke his career-high in tackles for loss, as well, with two.

The early first quarter was a feeling out process, with both sides trading punts. After Wisconsin's second drive stalled, Atticus Bertrams knocked a 62-yard punt that was muffed by Purdue's returner and recovered by Badger long snapper Cayson Pfeiffer. It marked Pfeiffer's first career fumble recovery.

Walker capitalized on the Boilermaker mistake just one play later, rushing for 12 yards and the game's first touchdown. Walker's score marked the second consecutive game he found the endzone just one play after a muffed punt recovery. 

The Badger defense continued to swarm Purdue on the next possession, forcing another punt. Locke and the UW offense retained their momentum on the following drive as he connected with receiver Vinny Anthony, who showed off his blazing speed to outpace every Purdue defender for a 52-yard touchdown. Anthony becomes the first Badger since Jared Abbrederis in 2013 to have two 50-yard touchdown catches in a season. 

The dominant UW drive went for 91-yards, on an efficient six plays.

Two Badger turnovers set up two successful Boilermaker field goals on the other end, as the UW defense stopped Purdue inside the five on both drives to force the kicks. 

The Wisconsin offense responded with a touchdown drive of its own to close the half. CJ Williams sparked the score with a 19-yard reception down to the 1-yard-line, which Walker ultimately punched in to go up 21-6. For Walker, it marked the first time in his career with back-to-back multi touchdown games and fourth overall performance.

The Badgers exploded out of the break, as Locke hooked up with receiver Trech Kekahuna, who turned on the jets and raced to the endzone for a 69-yard touchdown. It was Kekahuna's first career touchdown and put the Badgers up 28-6.

It's also the first time since 2013 that the Badgers have thrown two 50-yard passing touchdowns in a game, and the first against a Big Ten opponent since a 2012 matchup with Illinois. 

The Wisconsin offense didn't stop there, though, as the Badgers launched a nine-play, 98-yard drive, following a Purdue punt. Kekahuna was on the receiving end of his second touchdown, this time a 25-yard strike in the back of the endzone from Locke. 

After Purdue's sixth punt of the game, the Badger offense capitalized yet again. UW took it 78 yards on nine plays, finished off by a 17-yard rush for Walker's third touchdown of the game. He's the first Badger to rush for three touchdowns in a contest since Braelon Allen against Nebraska in 2021.

Running back Cade Yacamelli joined the party on the following Badger possession, scampering 30 yards on fourth down into the endzone to go up, 49-6. On the defensive end, safety Kamo'i Latu forced a fumble on Purdue's first play, recovered by Badger freshman Braedyn Moore.

The fumble led to the game's final score, a 26-yard field goal from Nathanial Vakos to close out the 52-6 victory.

A batch of young players saw action toward the end of the game, including freshman quarterback Mabrey Mattauer, who completed his first career pass to tight end Jackson McGohan.

Up Next: The Badgers head to the Garden State next Saturday for a matchup with Rutgers. The Scarlet Knights have notched wins over two Big Ten foes this season: Washington and Nebraska. Kickoff is set for 11 a.m. CT on Big Ten Network or FOX.