LOS ANGELES – The Wisconsin football team struggled in the second half on Saturday, losing their Big Ten opener to No. 16 USC by a score of 38-21 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The Badgers failed to maintain momentum, allowing 28 unanswered points in the final two quarters in front of a crowd of 74,118.
For the game, Wisconsin was outgained 469 to 285, with a significant disparity in the second half, where USC amassed 205 yards compared to the Badgers’ 82. Sophomore quarterback Braedyn Locke, making his first start of the season, completed 13 of 26 passes for 180 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Senior running back Tawee Walker led the rushing attack with 55 yards on 12 carries and scored two touchdowns. Junior Vinny Anthony contributed with a team-high 70 receiving yards, including a 63-yard touchdown in the first quarter.
Key takeaways from the game include:
The Badgers’ defensive failures on third downs were critical. Wisconsin set up several third-and-long scenarios but couldn’t capitalize. USC scored two touchdowns in the third quarter, converting five consecutive third downs, which allowed them to turn a 21-10 halftime deficit into a 24-21 lead by the end of the third.
Despite winning the turnover battle 3-2, Wisconsin’s margin for error was minimal. A pivotal moment occurred when Tyrell Henry muffed a punt, gifting USC a first down at the Badgers’ 30-yard line, subsequently leading to a touchdown.
Wisconsin’s strategy of testing the Trojans’ defense paid off in the first half. Locke made significant plays, including a 63-yard touchdown pass to Anthony and a crucial 35-yard completion to Bryson Green that set up another touchdown, giving the Badgers a 21-10 lead late in the first half.
Punter Atticus Bertrams had a notable performance, averaging 50 yards on three punts in the first half, helping to flip field position in Wisconsin’s favor at key moments. His 74-yard punt pinned USC at their own 1-yard line, forcing the Trojans to drive the length of the field.
Finally, Wisconsin closed the first half strong, benefiting from a forced fumble by Leon Lowery that stalled a USC drive in the red zone. Although they didn’t score before halftime, the Badgers managed to control the clock effectively, limiting USC’s scoring opportunities before the break.