QB Chubba Purdy makes third career start at Wisconsin, explodes for 55-yard TD on first drive

MADISON, Wisconsin – Chubba Purdy has been named as the starting quarterback for Nebraska football in the crucial game against Wisconsin tonight.

The game couldn’t have started any better.

Purdy, who is making his fourth career start after previously starting once as a true freshman at Florida State and twice last year in place of the injured Casey Thompson, was entrusted with two passing plays on the Huskers’ first drive against the Badgers.

The first play of the game, a quick-pass out of shotgun, resulted in no gain. This was followed by four consecutive Nebraska runs for 20 yards, leading to a 3rd-and-3 from the Huskers’ 45-yard line.

On this crucial play, Purdy, at the call of OC Marcus Satterfield, entered scramble mode. Purdy managed to escape a tackle, showcasing his speed, and then utilized that speed again to burst through the Badgers’ defense for a spectacular 55-yard touchdown.

Purdy maneuvered through the Wisconsin secondary and reached the end zone, giving Nebraska a 7-0 lead.

This was the best possible start for the fourth-year sophomore. In a game that will significantly influence the trajectory of the rebuilding Year One for the winner – and set up a high-pressure, must-win season finale for the loser – Purdy will be relied upon to lead an offense that has struggled, with stats showing:

>> 18.9 points per game (Tied for 118th in FBS and the third-lowest in Power Five, ahead of only two Big Ten teams, Iowa and Michigan State)

>> 312.5 total yards per game (115th in FBS)

>> 127.3 passing yards per game (127th in FBS, second-lowest in Power Five behind Iowa)

>> 27 turnovers (most in FBS), with 23 of the 27 coming from the Huskers’ quarterbacks

The first drive provided a positive sign for Purdy and the Huskers.