Quick Reactions to Badgers' Loss at USC

It was a tale of two halves in this game. The Badgers led at half time 21-10, but didn't score again and were outscored 28-0 in the second half. Ultimately, the Badgers lost 38-21 after what felt like could've been a statement win.

In the first half, Wisconsin won the turnover battle 3-0. They forced the rare 2024 interception and recovered two fumbles on their way to a double-digit halftime lead. The second half flipped that story as the Badgers gave the ball away twice to USC's zero.

The defense was getting a lot of pressure early on, something that fans have been waiting to see all season. The sacks weren't necessarily there, but the pressure on quarterback Miller Moss was obviously causing havoc in the USC passing game. After the half though, USC seemed to make some good adjustments and the Badger pass rush was much more muted late in the game.

In the first half the Air Raid was actually, well, raiding. Passes of 63 and 35 from Braedyn Locke fueled the Badgers first half offense and looked like what offensive coordinator Phil Longo's offense was supposed to be. It didn't last long though as Locke only threw for 50 yards the whole second half.

in the second half, a muffed punt from Tyrell Henry completely shifted the momentum in favor of USC. Wisconsin never really regained composure after the mistake.

Wisconsin also had no answers for USC receiver Ja'Kobi Lane. He finished the day with 10 catches for 105 yards and two touchdowns and was the first receiver this year to really bully this secondary.

Shotgun on 4th and 1 again... After trying this very same thing early in the season, the Badgers caught the ire of legendary player J.J. Watt. Now this week, former Badger Melvin Gordon voiced his frustrations. Play-calling was an issue once again in this loss.

In the end, the team just couldn't overcome bad turnovers, questionable play-calling, and a lack of identity on defense. Wisconsin now falls to 2-2 and will face Purdue next week.