After a deflating 42-10 loss to the Alabama Crimson Tide, the Wisconsin Badgers finished their bye week and look to rebound against another nationally-ranked opponent in the USC Trojans this Saturday.
USC is 2-1 on the season but is coming off a tough loss at Michigan, 27-24. The Trojans, behind the arm of quarterback Miller Moss, came back from a 14-3 halftime deficit to take a late lead in the fourth quarter before falling. Mississippi State transfer running back Woody Marks is the Trojans' leading rusher with 271 yards. Marks will look to gather his third-consecutive 100-yard rushing game against the Badgers on Saturday.
So, how can Wisconsin pull off a big upset in Los Angeles? Here are two keys the Badgers offense must do to take home a victory.
Run. The. Ball.
The Michigan Wolverines might have given the Badgers a blueprint for defeating Southern California last Saturday. Senior running back Kalel Mullings had a career day, gaining 159 yards against the Trojan defense. The Wolverines ran for 290 yards on the ground compared to a mere 32 yards of passing.
Given Luke Fickell's desire to run the ball more on offense, and Brayden Locke making his first start this season, Wisconsin must count on running backs Chez Mellusi, Tawee Walker, and Cade Yacamelli to wear down the Trojans.
Get Will Pauling involved early
USC's game plan will likely be to sell out on the run and dare Braedyn Locke to beat them with his arm. After what Michigan did to the Trojan defense, it is fair to assume that defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn will fix their run defense.
While Wisconsin should run the ball until the Trojans can consistently stop it, Locke must make passing plays. If that is the case, look for Locke to establish a connection with Will Pauling early and often.