Sep 263 min read

Badgers on the Hunt: Wisconsin Looks to Upset the Trojans

Updated: Sep 28

Badgers | Zachariah Branch, USC Wide Receiver No.1 — © Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

The No. 13 USC Trojans (2-1, 0-1 Big Ten) will host the Wisconsin Badgers (2-1) in their first Big Ten Conference home game on Sept. 28 at 3:30 p.m. EST at the L.A. Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles. Both teams are seeking their first Big Ten win of the season; for USC, its first ever. Wisconsin had a bye last week after a 42-10 loss to Alabama (3-0), while USC lost 27-24 in a close game at Michigan (3-1, 1-0 Big Ten) with many Trojans fans pointing to questionable officiating.

What's at Stake?

Wisconsin has compiled 22 consecutive winning seasons, the longest active streak among Power Four programs. A win against USC would put the Badgers at 3-1, positioning them for a 23rd straight winning season. However, a loss to the heavily-favored Trojans (-15.5, according to Action Network) likely jeopardizes that streak, especially if it's a blowout. With a tough remaining schedule, finding five more wins is a challenge for head coach Luke Fickell’s team.

USC earned widespread praise from media outlets after its impressive 27-20 victory over LSU (3-1, 1-0) in the season opener. Despite being favored against Michigan, one of the Trojans’ main concerns heading into the season became apparent. Their defense was overpowered, allowing 290 rushing yards as Michigan’s offensive line dominated. The game against Wisconsin presents a valuable opportunity for USC’s defense to reestablish itself as a formidable foe against future rushing attacks.

Key Players: Wisconsin Badgers

Chez Mellusi, RB (PFF Season Grade: 68.3)

Wisconsin needs to establish the run to control the clock and keep quarterback Braedyn Locke out of obvious passing situations. Chez Mellusi leads the Badgers in rushing with 200 yards, ranking 20th among running backs in the Big Ten. He has been effective in both directions, with 108 yards to the left of the center and 92 yards to the right. However, Mellusi must improve ball security after fumbling in the last two games.

Darryl Peterson, Edge (PFF Season Grade: 62.1)

USC quarterback Miller Moss has excelled under pressure, completing 58.8 percent of his passes for 290 yards, 2 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. Since most of the pressure has resulted from blitzes, Wisconsin will need to generate pressure with four players to keep extra defenders in coverage. Peterson, who has recorded 24 quarterback hurries in 2023, will be key in disrupting Moss and making him uncomfortable in the pocket.

Darryl Peterson | Wisconsin LB #17 — © Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Key Players: USC Trojans

Zachariah Branch, WR (PFF Season Grade: 70.6)

Alabama exposed Wisconsin's defense with 11 explosive plays—5 passing and 6 rushing. Two of those plays were 47-yard and 31-yard receptions by wide receiver Ryan Williams, who has been clocked at 4.41 seconds in the 40-yard dash.

USC's Zachariah Branch, an even more explosive version of Williams, is expected to cause significant problems for Wisconsin’s secondary and special teams with his speed.

Eric Gentry, LB (PFF Season Grade: 78.7)

Gentry leads the Trojans in tackles (26), sacks (2) and is tied for first in both forced fumbles (1) and fumble recoveries (1). Despite Wisconsin's shift to an air raid offense, their success will still largely depend on the performance of their offensive line and running backs. According to Pro Football Focus, Gentry holds the fourth-highest run defense grade (90.8) among all linebackers and will play a crucial role in forcing the Badgers to rely on the passing game more than they would prefer.

Eric Gentry | USC LB #18 — © Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Trends to Watch

Wisconsin will face its first top-15 opponent in a true road game since 2022, when it played No. 3 Ohio State. The Badgers' last road win over a top-15 team came in 2019 against No. 9 Minnesota.

Game Prediction

What’s the recipe for a Wisconsin victory? Win the turnover battle, rush for over 150 yards and limit USC’s explosive plays. However, with starting quarterback Tyler Van Dyke out for the season, the Badgers will struggle to achieve any of these key factors. USC head coach Lincoln Riley will be relieved to see his team capitalize on an Alex Grinch-led defense rather than watching opponents exploit it like many teams did to USC last season.

Prediction: USC 38, Wisconsin 24.