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Why this weekend’s game vs. USC is just as or even bigger than UCLA game for Wisconsin

The Wisconsin Badgers face a pivotal stretch in their season, starting with a high-stakes matchup against the No. 16 USC Trojans this weekend at Camp Randall Stadium.

After a disappointing 17-7 road loss to No. 12 UCLA—where Wisconsin managed just seven points—the Badgers now have a chance to rebound against a team that, while ranked lower, presents a more formidable challenge.

USC, at 6-1 with only a loss to Oregon, boasts a potent offense and a defense that has struggled to contain elite teams. Wisconsin, meanwhile, leans on a strong defensive unit but has yet to find offensive consistency, a dynamic that could define the outcome against the Trojans.

This two-game stretch against USC and Iowa is critical for Wisconsin’s playoff aspirations. A win over USC would carry more weight than the UCLA game, as the Bruins were playing a backup quarterback.

With a 4-2 record and losses only to the No. 1 and No.

9 teams in the country, the Badgers still have a realistic shot at a 10-2 or 9-3 finish. The upcoming schedule—featuring Rutgers, Maryland, Purdue, and Minnesota—offers manageable matchups, but the next two games will determine whether Wisconsin can build a resume strong enough for postseason consideration after two consecutive 4-8 seasons under Luke Fickell.

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