MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin’s David Gilbert knew how to celebrate his 18th birthday Saturday.

Unfortunately, it came at Purdue’s expense.

The freshman defensive lineman blocked Chris Summers ’ second-quarter punt and Aaron Henry scooped up the ball and raced 9 yards for a touchdown. Henry’s score put the Badgers ahead by 24 points and they coasted to a 37-0 victory over the Boilermakers.

Summers, who averaged 42.2 yards on eight punts, thought the timing on the snap was good.

“A lot of credit goes to their block team,” Summers said. “They got good penetration. They brought a good rush on that one.”

Gilbert appeared to be aided by backup offensive lineman Peters Drey , one of three players protecting Summers.

“They had a guy that was charging toward the shield and our guys got down low and our guy (Drey) raised up and propelled him higher,” Purdue coach Danny Hope said. “. . . They gave a great effort on it, and we played into their hands some with the way we responded.”

After watching film, the Badgers thought there was an opportunity to block one of Purdue’s punts. Gilbert even told Wisconsin coach Bret Bielema as much midway through the second quarter.

“Right before that play, Dave looked at me and said, ‘Coach, can I jump this one?’ " Bielema said. “We knew that ball was really close to that shield. It was an unbelievable play.”

Hope surprised

Hope didn’t see the lopsided loss coming after the week’s practice.

“Tuesday was probably the best day we had defensively,” Hope said. “We thought we would be able come out and handle their power running game some. We had a great practice Thursday pitching and catching.”

The passing game generated only 81 yards, and quarterback Joey Elliott completed just 5-of-23 passes for 59 yards. Redshirt freshman Caleb TerBush was 4-of-10 for 22 yards in his first appearance.

From the start

Wisconsin’s first play from scrimmage was an end around to tight end Lance Kendricks , who raced 21 yards. It turned out to be an omen. The Badgers caught the Boilers off guard with that play, running it six times for 112 yards during the first three quarters.

“They executed their power offense well and also threw a few wrinkles at us with the tight end reverse,” defensive end Ryan Kerrigan said. “Kendricks is a phenomenal athlete.”

Etc.

Kerrigan moved into sole possession of eighth place on Purdue’s career list with his 17th sack. . . . WR Keith Smith ‘s 8-yard reception in the first quarter marked the 21st consecutive game he has caught a pass. . . . The 37-point loss was Purdue’s largest losing margin since the Boilers lost 52-14 to Michigan State in 1996.