It’s finally game day, as the Wisconsin Badgers will play the No. 13 USC Trojans here in Week 5, with kickoff at the Coliseum at 2:30 p.m.

The Badgers are coming off a bye week, which followed a 42-10 loss to the Alabama Crimson Tide to close out their non-conference slate, and they face a new challenge with a top-15 team ahead of them here during the week. 5.

Wisconsin will try to fix some issues against USC, and they are now implementing a game plan that revolves around Braedyn Locke at quarterback, instead of Tyler Van Dyke, who went down with a torn ACL in Week 3 and will be out for the year.

FanDuel Sportsbook currently lists the Badgers as a 14.5-point underdog, with a point total of 50.5.

How can the Badgers get the win over USC in Week 5?

Run game

Wisconsin doesn’t have a chance to win this game without offensive success. And their best source of success right now comes on the ground with their offensive line and the running backs.

Despite the 42-10 loss in Week 3, it looked like the Badgers were actually moving the ball well on the ground, but the game script and inefficiency in the passing game kept the ground action from happening.

The Badgers have a barrage of talented backs, and it will be interesting to see how they are all used here in Week 5, as Cade Yacamelli has proven he deserves playing time while the true freshmen wait in the wings for their turns.

USC allowed just 290 yards and three touchdowns on the ground to Michigan. So the formula for success is there. That came after LSU ran for 113 yards on 4.5 yards per carry in Week 1.

But Wisconsin will have to create a complementary approach to get the run game going, as the Trojans will likely stack the box and challenge the Badgers to throw.

Miller Moss sales

USC quarterback sensation Miller Moss is off to a good start this year, throwing for 890 yards, five touchdowns and an interception in three games this season.

More importantly, Moss has given up just one turnover this year, which came last week with a pick six of Michigan’s Will Johnson, perhaps a top 10 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

On the other hand, the Badgers struggled to generate turnovers defensively, both due to a major deficit and players not creating enough chances on that front.

That needs to change here in Week 5, as the Badgers will need some momentum swings if they want to emerge as double-digit underdogs.

The best way to create those opportunities? Get some pressure on the quarterback. Moss struggled under duress last week as Michigan swept one-on-one battles to create chaos in the backfield. Wisconsin needs to do something similar here in Week 5 if they want to have a chance.

Win 1v1 matches

Head coach Luke Fickell pointed out some areas that need to change this week, and one of the issues he harped on was winning 1-on-1 opportunities in a number of places.

The Badgers have failed to generate enough pass rush this season, which led to issues in the secondary in Week 3 as quarterback Jalen Milroe had ample time to scan the field and connect with his pass rush. catchers.

Additionally, Wisconsin’s issues defending the run come with some of those issues with 1-on-1 assignments, which should be resolved sooner rather than later with Big Ten play approaching.

The problem also applies to the offense, as it becomes even more important for receivers to win their 1-on-1 battles on Saturday to help quarterback Braedyn Locke, who faces a top-15 team in another tough environment ends up. this weekend.

Wisconsin will essentially need their playmakers to make plays. The best way to do that? Win those 1-on-1 battles.