Wisconsin fans flooded the field after a huge win over the USC Trojans in a game that Luke Fickell needed in a huge way. The Badgers came out hot on defense, and while it took a little bit longer for the offense to start clicking, when it did, it never looked back.
Wisconsin needed to win at least one of these three ranked games- UCLA, USC, and Iowa and they got the big win over USC. Getting Iowa will be the cherry on top. It will be interesting to see if Wisconsin is ranked in the AP Top 25 Poll later this week.
1. Wisconsin's defense proved once again it is elite
The defense absolutely put the brakes on the high-powered USC offense all night. They got two interceptions early in the game and proceeded to stop the Trojans over and over. While USC was able to get into scoring position multiple times, only once were the Trojans able to score points.
The big touchdown drive to get USC up 7-3 was a moment that many thought Wisconsin would struggle to get back in, but it was just the opposite. These were the final points for USC. It didn't help that the Trojans missed two kicks (partially blocked), but it was the defense that kept them from advancing far enough to get the easy points.
2. The offense still presents some problems but fought through them
The offense was very sluggish to start the game, and Wisconsin fans were starting to sweat that it was going to be another crappy day for the Badgers' offense. Yet, Abu Sama III began to rip off runs, getting the Badgers into a decent rhythm. And while it drove fans crazy, the Wisconsin offensive coordinator was giving Colton Joseph enough quick passes to help him get in rhythm.
It helped, along with his own running of the football. It still wasn't the most impressive offensive display against a defense that struggles, but it was enough, and they scored when they got the chance (except for one missed field goal).
3. The Wisconsin offensive line may have had their best game
Hats off to the Wisconsin offensive line that only allowed two sacks (though both could be blamed on Joseph) and finally helped get the running game going. The offensive line was helping create huge holes for the running backs, and that ultimately helped get the whole offense going.
The Badgers had 142 yards on the ground, with Sama III getting 72 of them. Joseph also was able to get 32, while Bryan Jackson II had a great game too when he got his opportunities. It was the offensive line that paved the way. Hopefully, this is something to build on because it's still not great, but it was much better than what we've seen a lot this season.
4. Luke Fickell needed this one big-time
Fickell is in a prove-it year, and many fans still doubt him even after this win, but there's no one who is happier than Fickell after this one. The season isn't over, and he had a couple of big wins last season, but sitting at five wins and this one over a No. 16 USC Trojans was just what the doctor ordered.
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