Wisconsin Badgers (2-1) vs. USC Trojans (2-1)
September 28, 2024 3:30 pm EDT
The Line: USC Trojans -15.5 / Wisconsin Badgers +15.5; Over/Under: +53.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Wisconsin Badgers and USC Trojans meet Saturday in week 5 college football action at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Here’s a USC vs Wisconsin Prediction. This article will include a USC vs Wisconsin Pick.
Wisconsin Badgers Betting Preview
The Wisconsin Badgers beat South Dakota, lost to Alabama, and they play Purdue next. Wisconsin has won 3 of its last 4 road games. Braedyn Locke is completing 50 percent of his passes for 125 yards, 1 touchdown and 0 interceptions. Will Pauling and Bryson Green have combined for 280 receiving yards and 1 touchdown, while Vinny Anthony II has 4 receptions.
The Wisconsin Badgers ground game is averaging 172 yards per contest, and Chez Mellusi leads the way with 200 yards and 3 touchdowns. Defensively, Wisconsin is allowing 23 points and 301.7 yards per game. Hunter Wohler leads the Wisconsin Badgers with 17 tackles, Elijah Hills has 2 sacks and Xavier Lucas has 1 interception.
USC Trojans Betting Preview
The USC Trojans beat Utah State, lost to Michigan and play Minnesota next. The USC Trojans have split their last 6 home games. Miller Moss is completing 65 percent of his passes for 890 yards, 5 touchdowns and 1 interception. Zachariah Branch and Lake McRee have combined for 307 receiving yards on 26 catches, while Kyron Hudson has 9 receptions.
The USC Trojans ground game is averaging 138 yards per contest, and Woody Marks leads the way with 271 yards and 3 touchdowns. Defensively, USC is allowing 15.7 points and 311 yards per game. Eric Gentry leads the USC Trojans with 26 tackles, Kamari Ramsey has 1 sack and Easton Mascarenas-Arnold has 1 interception.
Why the USC Trojans will win
- USC has won each of its last nine September games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Wisconsin has lost each of its last 11 games as an underdog against AP-ranked teams.
- USC has covered the spread in each of its last five September home games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Wisconsin has failed to cover the spread in each of its last four September games against AP-ranked teams.
- Wisconsin has lost the first half in six of its last seven games against conference opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Wisconsin’s last four September games against top-15 AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.
- Fifteen of USC’s last 18 games as a favorite have gone OVER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- USC ranks T3rd among FBS teams for 1st downs against this season (43).
- USC ranks 12th among FBS teams for passing yards per game this season (318.7).
- Wisconsin ranks T6th among FBS teams for 1st downs against this season (44).
- Wisconsin ranks 118th among FBS teams for Q2 points per game this season (4.3).
USC vs Wisconsin Prediction
USC is obviously the more talented team and could blow the doors off. I’m also assuming that the Tyler Van Dyke injury is playing into this line. However, Wisconsin wasn’t a successful pass offense anyway, so I’m not all that worried about. Wisconsin is still physical defensively and has an above average rushing offense. We saw USC struggle with the physical play of Michigan last week and Wisconsin can do similar things. Not predicting an upset, but more than two touchdowns is a bit rich. This will be just the sixth time since 2019 where Wisconsin is an underdog of 14 or more points. I lean Badgers on Saturday afternoon.
