On paper, the Wisconsin vs. USC game is the most intriguing game of the season. The Badgers struggle to get much going on offense, especially in the passing game. USC's big weakness is the pass defense. The Trojans' big strength? Is the passing attack, and Wisconsin found themselves struggling with that last game against UCLA. Though most of the season, they've found better success there.
It looks like a game that Wisconsin lines up better on paper against USC than they did against UCLA, but there's a ton of doubt because that game against the Bruins was stupid and frustrating.
If the Badgers were to win, you have to assume that these four players were very heavily involved.
1. Colton Joseph
Joseph has to have a better game against USC than he did against UCLA. The Badgers won't win if he throws for under 100 yards again. The Trojans are the third-worst team in the Big Ten at defending the pass. Wisconsin has to find a way to exploit that, and Joseph needs to have a big game.
USC this season has allowed 289 passing yards to Rocco Becht and Dylan Raiola, 252 yards to Dylan Lonergan (Rutgers), and 212 yards to Lunch Winfield (Louisiana). The Trojan defense simply struggles to defend the pass, and Joseph could theoretically have a field day.
2. Jaylon Domingeaux
A big problem with Joseph's passing last week was actually the receivers. If you go back and rewatch the game, you will see the wide receivers are not helping Joseph out. They aren't on time with their routes, aren't getting open, and at times simply miss catches. Luke Fickell even said a big difference between UCLA and Wisconsin in the last game was that "their receivers made plays and ours did not."
Domingueaux is fully healthy now, and he needs to find soft spots in USC's defense and make explosive plays. Have a day, WR1.
If it's not Domingeaux, it could be Tyrell Henry or Chris Brooks Jr., but if Wisconsin wins, there will be a receiver who simply took over the game.
3. Marvin Burks Jr.
On the other side of things, USC is known for its passing attack. They are second in the Big Ten in passing yards per game at 310.1. Trojans QB Jayden Maiva already has over 2,000 passing yards this season with 18 touchdowns.
His favorite zone to attack is the middle of the field. He loves those soft spots in zone coverage, and he knows how to efficiently read safeties and defensive backs. Marvin Burks Jr. will be a big factor in this game if the Badgers are to win. He will need to not only find ways to clog up this middle of the field, but also help out in the deep routes that Maiva can throw, and also confuse Maiva into thinking a coverage is different than it is.
Other potential players to help the Badgers win along a similar vein are Bryce West, Javan Robinson, and you have to think that Maiva will try to pick on Jaimer Scott.
Related: Javan Robinson's injury status raises a concern for Wisconsin ahead of USC
4. Mason Posa
In the exact same concept, Posa will be a key player too. His ability to stuff the box but then fall back in coverage as needed will be key to this game. He's one of the top linebackers in the nation according to PFF through Week 7, and now he has a chance to prove it.
USC has a conversion rate over 50% on third-down conversions this season. They are even better at UCLA in this category, and we all know how Wisconsin struggled with that last week. Posa should take that personally and stop it from happening again with USC in town.
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