Sep 14, 2024; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Bradin Lock (18) throws a cross in the course of the second quarter in opposition to the Alabama Crimson Tide at Camp Randall Stadium. Necessary Credit score: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Photos No. 13 Southern California returns residence on Saturday nonetheless looking for its first-ever Large Ten win when the Trojans tackle Wisconsin in Los Angeles.
USC (2-1, 0-1 Large Ten) was destroyed in its convention debut in opposition to defending nationwide champion Michigan final week. With 7 minutes and 01 seconds left within the recreation, the Trojans tied it at 24 on a 24-yard landing cross from Miller Moss to Ja’Kobi Lane. -20 lead.
Nonetheless, Michigan’s 10 rushes for 89 yards ended with a landing drive within the closing minute, leading to USC shedding 27-24. The loss uncovered the Trojans’ considerations in regards to the line recreation, particularly on offense.
USC was sacked 4 instances and had solely 96 whole dashing yards. The Trojans’ defensive position points embrace left sort out Elijah Paige struggling what coach Lincoln Riley described as “extreme cramping” on Tuesday.
“After all it does not assist,” Riley stated. “Then we performed in a tricky ambiance in opposition to some good gamers. We made some changes and that is a part of it. As a complete group, all of us must do higher… Amongst them We blocked a variety of possibilities on this recreation, however we missed some possibilities due to it.
Regardless of the stress, Moss threw for 3 touchdowns and 283 yards, however his interception on Will Johnson’s pick-six was essential to the end result. The Trojans’ entrance line faces extra uncertainty with tight finish McCray Lake out with a knee harm he sustained at Michigan State.
Blocking was a significant challenge for USC the final time it confronted Wisconsin, when USC defeated the Badgers 23-21 within the 2015 Vacation Bowl. Wisconsin linebacker Jake Sich sacked USC’s Cody Kessler on three consecutive performs in that recreation, the Badgers’ first win over the Trojans in seven makes an attempt.
Wisconsin is heading into its Large Ten Convention opener, which will likely be on the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for the primary time since 1966. Come on a bye week.
“(The bye week) is a chance to do a few issues: Have a look at your self,” Wisconsin coach Luke Fickell stated this week. “It’s one other alternative for Bredin Locke to get extra reps now that Tyler (Van Dyke) is finished for the 12 months.”
After main Wisconsin to dominant wins over Western Michigan and South Dakota State to begin the season, Miami switch Van Dyke exited the sport in opposition to Alabama with a torn proper ACL. He then underwent season-ending surgical procedure.
Lock went 13-of-26 for 125 yards and a landing cross to Will Bowling in opposition to the Crimson Tide.
It was Lock’s first throw since halfway via the 2023 season, when he threw for a mixed 5 touchdowns in opposition to Illinois, Ohio State and Indiana, however his accuracy was poor.
Lock was excellent in 4 video games final 12 months, finishing lower than 52% of his passes in every recreation.
This week marks the second time in Large Ten play that USC faces an opponent whose quarterback is making his first begin of the season.
The Trojans bumped into Alex Orji every week in the past and restricted the Wolverines quarterback to 32 yards on 7-of-12 passes, however USC gave up within the loss. Gained 290 dashing yards.
–Scene-level media
