The University of Wisconsin football team's trip to the LA Memorial Coliseum on Saturday to face the 13th-ranked USC Trojans is one of the Big Ten's new clash-of-cultures league games. The contest is scheduled to start at 3:30 p.m. ET (12:30 p.m. PT) with TV coverage on CBS and streaming on-demand.
Wisconsin Badgers (2-1) at #13 USC Trojans (2-1)
NCAA Football Matchup at a Glance
When: Saturday, Sept. 28 at 3:30 p.m. ET (12:30 p.m. PT)
Where: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles
TV channel: CBS
Live streams: FuboTV (free trial) | SlingTV (low intro rate) | DirecTV Stream (free trial) | Paramount+ (free trial)
USC returns home to The Coliseum off its first loss of the 2024 season, 27-24 to defending national champion Michigan in a game the Trojans led in the final minute. The Wolverines marched 89 yards on 10 plays to score the winning touchdown on a 1-yard run by Kalel Mullings with 37 seconds left.
Wisconsin also looks to put its best foot forward after a 42-10 loss to No. 4 Alabama on Sept. 14 that led into a Week 4 bye. The Badgers had previously beaten Western Michigan (28-14) and South Dakota (27-13).
USC Trojans vs. Wisconsin Badgers: Know Your Live Streaming Options
The Badgers and Trojans are set for a 3:30 p.m. ET start on CBS. Live streams are available from FuboTV (free trial), DirecTV Stream (free trial) and SlingTV (low intro rate).
The game will also stream on Paramount+, which offers a free trial for new users. Regional restrictions may apply.
USC’s Defense Needs to Stop the Run
USC poached defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn away from crosstown rival UCLA in the offseason. Charged with turning around a pitiful Trojans defense, Lynn's UCLA group was among the best in the country last season. There have been incremental steps in the right direction on that side of the ball, but the Trojans have still struggled at the point of attack against the run. Michigan racked up 290 yards on the ground, while LSU ran for 113 (4.5 yards per carry) in Week 1. Wisconsin is averaging 172 yards per game, so slowing down the run and forcing an inexperienced quarterback to pass will be the key to victory.
Locke Can Give Wisconsin a Spark
This won't be the first time Locke steps into the huddle as Wisconsin's starter. He started three games last fall against Illinois, Ohio State and Indiana in relief of former starter Tanner Mordecai. He wasn't flashy, but did show some efficiency with five touchdowns and zero interceptions in those starts. A physical, grinding rushing attack has been a staple of Wisconsin's offense for years. If the Badgers can get that going against a vulnerable opponent, it would take pressure off Locke to be the hero.
Zachariah Branch is USC's X-Factor
Branch does a little of everything for USC, but his primary role is as a lethal punt and kick returner. Branch had two house calls on special teams last year and is looking for his first big return of 2024. On offense, he came close to his first 100-yard receiving game last weekend (98 yards). Getting him open down the seams and in space could be the spark USC's offense needs to blow this game open.
The Bottom Line: Can Wisconsin Turn Things Around?
Wisconsin is off to a shaky start to the 2024 season, highlighted by two lackluster performances in the first two weeks against Western Michigan and South Dakota. Locke is 1-2 in his career as a starter, and this is a great opportunity for the USC defense to get a bounceback performance after a lackluster showing on that side of the ball against Michigan. Moss has looked like a Heisman dark horse through the first month of the season, and a strong performance would get him right back in the conversation. Pick: USC -15.5
This weekend’s clash between USC and Wisconsin will be an interesting one. The Trojans will be looking to bounce back from their loss to Michigan, while the Badgers will be looking to turn their season around. With both teams having something to prove, this game should be a lot of fun to watch.
