The USC Trojans were nearly upset by Wisconsin in their Big Ten home opener. USC trailed by 11 points at halftime, but managed to put up 28 points in the second half and come away with a 38-21 lead.

USC opened the passing attack

Trojans quarterback Miller Moss put together a great rebounding game as the USC offense as a whole bounced back after the Michigan game. Moss completed 30 of 45 passes for more than 300 yards and three touchdowns, which was perhaps his best performance of the season. Sophomore wide receiver Ja’Kobi Lane had his best game as a Trojan, with 10 catches for 105 yards and two touchdowns. USC had nine players record a reception in the win. If the Trojans want to build on their offensive success, they will have to continue spreading the ball around in the passing game.

The misery in the first half continues

USC went into halftime down 21-10 and was booed as it went into the tunnel. The Trojans continually made frustrating mistakes that Wisconsin took advantage of. USC’s special teams unit was tough to watch during the half, with the Badgers recovering a muffed kick. The offense has seen their struggles as well. Moss coughed up a fumble and threw an interception. Since the defense gave up 21 points in the first half, the numbers look worse than they actually were.

The defense was supported more than once in their own territory and held firm. If the Trojans expect to still be in the hunt for the College Football Playoff, they need to reduce the number of first-half mistakes against better teams. During the game against Michigan, the Trojans were unable to overcome their misfortunes in the first half, but against the Badgers, USC was able to rally and come back. After the game, USC coach Lincoln Riley noted the second-half improvements in his CBS postgame interview.

“We did better in the run game (in the second half),” Riley said. “We were able to stay in front of the chains and didn’t give up the explosives in the passing game. It was a nice performance.”

USC defensive front meetings

With the loss of Beer Alexander during the week, USC had to fill the hole he left behind, and it’s safe to say that USC will be fine without Alexander for now. Redshirt senior Kobe Pepe had a big game on the defensive line for the Trojans as he was elevated to the second string on the depth chart after Alexander’s departure. Pepe had four tackles in the win, a career high for the veteran. Nate Clifton and Anthony Lucas continued their strong starts to the season as both players continued to put pressure on Wisconsin’s quarterback Braedyn Locke. The Trojans held Wisconsin to 106 combined rushing yards as they bounced back after giving up nearly 400 yards to the Wolverines last week.