MORE: The 3-2-1: Purdue's loss at Wisconsin | Could O'Connell be Purdue's QB in 2020? | Gold & Black Radio Express: Purdue-Wisconsin | Upon further review: Purdue-Wisconsin

PDF: Purdue-Wisconsin statistics

Here are 10 things you need to know about Purdue's 45-24 loss at Wisconsin.

1. Making just his second career start, Aidan O’Connell looked good. He hit 26-of-43 passes for 289 yards and two TDs with a pick. The sophomore walk-on has to be a factor in next year’s quarterback derby, right?

"I think Aidan is doing a very good job," said Jeff Brohm. "I think when we give him time and give him some room to make throws, he's gonna make them."

2. Jonathan Taylor was effective, as expected. He ran 28 times for 222 yards and a TD with a 51-yard TD run in the first quarter. The junior probably played his last game ever in Camp Randall Stadium, as he figures to turn pro. In three games vs. Purdue, Taylor ran for 762 yards and five TDs.

"It was tough," said George Karlaftis. "That guy is one of the best, if not the best, running backs in the country. They are known for having good o-linemen. So, it was a challenge. ... we need to be more physical and play better."

Was that the best line Karlaftis has seen in 2019?

"One of them, for sure," said Karlaftis.

Purdue’s defense had no answer for Wisconsin all day. The Badgers notched 331 yards in the first half (143 pass, 188 rush). The Badgers finished with 403 yards rushing and 606 yards of offense and still rolled despite having four turnovers.

"You got to give Wisconsin credit for the job they did," said Jeff Brohm. "It wasn't a good day for our defense ... Wisconsin is a very solid football team all around. You've got to create some stops and you got to get off the field, and it was not a good day for us."

3. It was fun to see a few trick plays. In the first half, Purdue ran a flea-flicker with King Doerue taking a hand off and pitching back to Aidan O’Connell, who hit Milton Wright for a 38-yard gain. Later in the half, Milton Wright caught a backward pass and threw to an open Brycen Hopkins, who rumbled to pay dirt for a 37-yard TD.

4. It was good to see Purdue tally some turnovers. The Boilermakers notched four takeaways with three fumble recoveries. Purdue entered the game with three fumble recoveries on the season. Alas, the Boilers only convertered those turnovers into seven points. Overall, Purdue was 12th in the Big Ten turnover margin (-9) when the day began, so this was a positive development.

"They're a better football team and we are getting those four turnovers and not being able to create a closer game (really hurt us)," said Jeff Brohm.

5. David Bell continues to shine. The true freshman came in as one of the hottest wideouts in the Big Ten. And he continued. He made a nice leaping catch to set up his 8-yard TD reception late in the third quarter. Bell finished the day with 12 catches for 108 yards and score.

"Well, David and Brycen (Hopkins) had a solid game even though I think they may have dropped one or two," said Jeff Brohm. "But they give great effort. They're a big part of our offense. They play hard, they work hard, and we've got to improve around certain guys. And I think, for us, it's a matter of getting more guys to play to that level. And we have a ways to go."

6. The loss means Purdue’s bowl hopes are finished. The 4-7 Boilermakers had gone to bowls in each of Jeff Brohm’s two seasons. But a rash of injuries has proven to be too much to overcome. Purdue can still finish the season on an up note with a victory vs. visiting Indiana next week. The Boilermakers have won the last two Old Oaken Bucket battles. Will playing for the Bucket be enough to keep the team going next week?

"I think so," said Jeff Brohm. "I think our team practices hard. I think that, you know, we have a lot of guys that are committed to try and find ways to improve. But you know, we need to get better. And that means a lot of ways, and I think we just have to work through it. We have to figure out things. I think we have to coach better. And I think that, coming back home with our seniors and to play in front of our home crowd is incentive enough. And I hope that we have a lot of fight this week and try to come out next Saturday, compete and figure out a way to win."

7. Wisconsin's Zach Hintze boomed a can-you-believe-it 62-yard field goal as the first half expired to give Wisconsin a 24-17 lead. It was the longest field goal ever vs. Purdue and the longest in the Big Ten since 1986.

8. In the week he was named a Mackey Award semifinalist, Brycen Hopkins enjoyed a strong game. The fifth-year senior tight end made eight receptions for 127 yards with two TDs.His TD in the second quarter ended Purdue's streak of having a freshman score 19 TDs in a row.

9. The game got away from Purdue at the start of the second half. The Boilermakers got the ball first and were driving until Aidan O’Connell made a poor pass that resulted in an interception. Wisconsin responded with a 95-yard TD drive with all 95 yards coming on the ground. That gave the Badgers a 31-17 lead. On its next possession, Purdue gave the ball back on downs and Wisconsin subsequently scored a TD to take a 38-17 lead. At that point, the game was essentially over.

10. Big George Karlaftis continues to turn heads each week. He had three tackles, a TFL, forced fumble and fumble recovery. He also added two quarterback pressures. No doubt, Karlaftis is destined for Freshman All-American honors.

"Well, there's a handful of guys on our team that I think are playing at a high level," said Jeff Brohm. "George, of course, is one of them. Gives great effort, works hard, competes, he's durable. Very proud of his performance once again."

Membership Info: Sign up for GoldandBlack.com now | Why join? | Questions?

Follow GoldandBlack.com: Twitter | Facebook | YouTube

More: Gold and Black Illustrated/Gold and Black Express | Subscribe to our podcast

Copyright, Boilers, Inc. 2019. All Rights Reserved. Reproducing or using editorial or graphical content, in whole or in part, without permission, is strictly prohibited.