USC Prepares to Host Wisconsin for Big Ten Showdown

No. 13 University of Southern California (USC) is set to face off against the University of Wisconsin this Saturday at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. This matchup marks the Trojans’ first home game as a member of the Big Ten Conference, a highly anticipated contest that will be broadcast nationally on CBS.

This encounter represents the eighth all-time meeting between these two teams. The previous match-up in the 2015 Holiday Bowl saw the Wisconsin Badgers ending USC’s six-game winning streak in their series by securing a narrow 23-21 victory.

Both teams are approaching this game keen to rebound from recent setbacks. USC suffered a 27-24 defeat to Michigan at “The Big House,” marking their inaugural Big Ten conference game. Meanwhile, the Badgers are attempting to recover from a heavy 42-10 loss to Alabama on September 14th.

In a blow to Wisconsin, starting quarterback Tyler Van Dyke will miss the remainder of the 2024 season after sustaining a torn ACL. Braedyn Locke will step in as quarterback, offering some experience having previously filled in for Tanner Mordecai last season, including outings against significant opponents such as Ohio State.

USC’s defense will be tested as they aim to improve their efficacy against the run, a point of struggle as seen when Michigan accumulated 290 rushing yards. Defensive Coordinator D’Anton Lynn—brought on board from UCLA during the offseason—has made some progress, but the Trojans will need to further bolster their defensive line to contain Wisconsin’s running game.

On the offensive front, USC will look to capitalize on Zachariah Branch‘s versatility. Known for his special teams prowess, Branch has been a key player for USC, with his performance crucial in opening up the field for the Trojans.

Wisconsin’s offense under Locke must navigate a challenging path against a USC defense that stood firm against Michigan. The Badgers have faced difficulties in scoring, and injecting momentum early will be vital to bolster Locke’s confidence in this important away game.

Analysts Dennis Dodd, Tom Fornelli, and others from CBS Sports predict a USC victory with a 15.5-point advantage. Mark Stewart of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and JR Radcliffe express cautious optimism for Wisconsin, noting a spirited effort is expected but challenges remain, particularly with a new quarterback at the helm.