Wisconsin put together a well-rounded game to give Badgers interim coach Jim Leonhard his first win at Camp Randall Stadium.

Quarterback Graham Mertz threw for 2 touchdowns and safety John Torchio had 2 interceptions — including a 31-yard return for a touchdown — to pace Wisconsin in its 35-24 win against Purdue.

The game marked the first home win for Wisconsin interim coach Jim Leonhard, who took over from former coach Paul Chryst on Oct. 2.

Wisconsin got off to a quick start with 2 touchdowns less than 4 minutes into the game.

The Badgers scored on their opening drive as quarterback Graham Mertz threw a 29-yard touchdown strike to wide receiver Skyler Bell at 12:34 of the first quarter.

Bell also had a 27-yard catch during the series that took up 2:26 with 6 plays for 76 yards.

Less than 1 minute later, Wisconsin safety John Torchio stepped in front of Purdue quarterback Aidan O’Connell’s pass and nabbed an interception, which he returned for a touchdown. Torchio dashed 31 yards for the score that increased Wisconsin’s lead to 14-0.

On Purdue’s second series, Wisconsin’s defense flexed its muscle with a stop on 3rd-and-4. Boilermakers kicker Mitchell Fineran missed a 27-yard field goal that would have put Purdue on the scoreboard.

Braelon Allen went to the injury tent late in the third quarter with a left arm injury but returned in the fourth.

Allen, a sophomore, finished with 14 carries for 110 yards and 1 touchdown. Allen has rushed for more than 100 yards in 5 games this season.

Mertz went 13-of-21 for 203 yards with 2 touchdowns and no interceptions for the Badgers, who have won 16 straight games against Purdue.

Purdue’s 4-game winning streak was snapped and the Boilermakers (5-3, 3-2 Big Ten) fell behind Illinois for the lead in the Big Ten West standings.

The Illini had an open date this weekend.

Wisconsin wide receiver Chimere Dike grabbed a 3-yard touchdown catch to boost the Badgers to a 21-0 lead with 2:38 left in the first.

The Boilermakers tried to switch momentum their way but the Badgers always had an answer.

Purdue tailback Devin Mockobee, a redshirt freshman walk-on, scored on a 1-yard rush on 4th-and-1 to give the Boilermakers their second touchdown. The score trimmed Wisconsin’s lead to 35-17 with 12:05 left in the game.

Wisconsin took control with a 54-yard rush for a score by Isaac Guerendo that extended the Badgers’ lead to 35-10 with 2:42 to go in the third quarter.

Wisconsin was without the services of the team’s sack leader and best pass rusher as outside linebacker Nick Herbig did not play. Herbig has 6 sacks this season. Badgers officials wouldn’t provide details except to say that Herbig was sidelined due to injury.