USC, Wisconsin Represent Equal Challenge to One Another

According to oddsmakers from oddsmakers at MyBookie.ag, USC is favored in this game, as the Trojans are getting odds of -3 points against the Badgers.

Wisconsin broke the seal on the scoreboard as they scored the first 10 points of the game first on a nine play, 50 yard drive that resulted in a field goal.

6-1 USC’s all-time record against Wisconsin as the Trojans dropped their first game to the Badgers in the first time these teams have played since 1966.

The Badgers (10-3) defeated the Trojans (8-6) for the first time in seven meetings. The Badgers rank third nationally in total defense (267.1 yards per game), fourth against the run (97.9), and sixth against the pass (169.2).

Yes, entering the game USC knew Wisconsin’s front seven was stout – in practice this week, Helton and Kessler both consistently praised the Badgers’ linebackers and lineman – but Cichy is not the most recognizable player among them. Badgers linebacker Jack Cichy, who didn’t even play in the first half while serving a suspension for a targeting ejection in the regular-season finale, starred in the second half, at one point sacking USC quarterback Cody Kessler on three straight plays and later forcing a Kessler interception.

Much of Wisconsin’s woes stem from the lack of a 1,000-yard rusher. QB Joel Stave threw for just 79 yards in their win over Minnesota. All told, the Badgers outgained the Trojans, 394-286, and notched a 14-minute advantage in time of possession while amassing six more first downs. “I just kind of want to be remembered as a good Wisconsin guy who got to play a lot”, Stave said.

Jackson rushed for 126 yards in the first 15 minutes, including a 61-yard scoring run.

Lamar Jackson ran for a career-high and Music City Bowl-record 226 yards and two touchdowns and threw for two more scores to help Louisville beat Texas A&M 27-21 on Wednesday night.

A defense without a coordinator didn’t allow an offensive touchdown for Memphis (9-4) and star quarterback Paxton Lynch.

In the other playoff, the Cotton Bowl, Alabama reserve defensive back Tony Brown was suspended for the game against Michigan State for violating team rules. A favorite Kessler target, sophomore receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster has caught 85 passes for 1,389 yards and 10 touchdowns this season.

“Turning on film and watching it from a football perspective – being able to see the formations and everything – they’re a very explosive team”, Wisconsin junior cornerback Sojourn Shelton told the team’s official website.

Imagine if he could have gotten the 19 carries that Wisconsin’s Corey Clement, whose health status was uncertain coming in to the game, managed to get.

After a scoreless first quarter, Robert Wheelwright’s leaping, one-handed catch near the sideline set up a field goal for a 3-0 Wisconsin lead. ESPN’s Football Power Index gives the Trojans a 66.9 percent chance of winning. The Trojans have been a different team during the second half of the season.

Kessler was 18 of 32 for 221 yards.

Wisconsin added to their lead with a touchdown midway through the third quarter to make the score 20-7.

Dec 30, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; General view of the line of scrimmage as Wisconsin Badgers long snapper Connor Udelhoven (60) prepares to snap the ball against the Southern California Trojans during the 2015 Holiday Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium.

Dak Prescott closed out his college career in impressive fashion, throwing for a Belk Bowl-record 380 yards and four touchdowns in Mississippi State’s 51-28 victory over North Carolina State on Wednesday.