pasadenastarnews
No. 16 USC (6-1, 3-1 Big Ten) will clash with Wisconsin (4-2, 2-1) on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. PT at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. The game will be broadcast on NBC (Channel 4) and radio at 710 AM, with USC favored by 3 points.
Injury Report
USC has ruled out wide receivers Terrell Anderson (undisclosed) and Corey Simms (knee), safety Kendarius Reddick (undisclosed), linebackers Taylor Taybo Johnson and Roman Marchetti (both undisclosed), and offensive lineman Kilian OConnor (knee). Tight end Mark Bowman, wide receiver Luc Weaver, and defensive tackle Jide Abasiri are questionable, while defensive tackle Jahkeem Stewart (foot) and linebacker Jadyn Walker (undisclosed) are probable.
For Wisconsin, cornerback Cai Bates (knee) is out. Cornerback Javan Robinson, wide receiver Malachi Coleman, and running back Nate Palmer are questionable, and running back Darrion Dupree (lower body) and offensive lineman Austin Kawecki (hand) are probable.
What's at Stake
USC is among eight Big Ten teams with just one conference loss, a status the Trojans hope to preserve before the first College Football Playoff rankings are released on Nov. 3. A win over Wisconsin could afford USC some margin for error with formidable opponents like No. 3 Ohio State, No. 6 Indiana, and No. 9 UCLA still on the schedule. Conversely, a loss would severely dent the Trojans' CFP aspirations.
Who Has the Edge?
USC's offensive efficiency should provide a considerable advantage, and the bye week should leave the Trojans rested and rejuvenated. However, Wisconsin possesses a few intangibles: a hard-nosed, traditional Big Ten style and a home stadium that can be overwhelming. USC has prepared for the environment all week by blaring House of Pain's "Jump Around" through the practice facility and meeting rooms.
Matchup to Watch
Badgers quarterback Colton Joseph versus USC's run defense. Joseph isn't overly efficient through the air, completing 54.7% of his passes, but he compensates with his legs, averaging 55.5 rushing yards per game. The Trojans defense has faced mobile quarterbacks this season, though it has shown a tendency to start slow and perform stronger in the second half.
USC Wins If...
The offensive line maintains a high standard of protection regardless of who is in the game. The trenches have shuffled slightly but have still kept quarterback Jayden Maiava clean, allowing roughly one sack per game. The Trojans must give Maiava enough time to make smart decisions against a defense that limits opponents to 171.2 passing yards per game.
Prediction
USC 27, Wisconsin 17. The Trojans come in with energy off the bye week, and the upcoming matchup against Ohio State becomes even more exciting.
Originally reported by pasadenastarnews.