Granted I was dead wrong in predicting USC to beat Michigan in a 24-10 type of win last Saturday, but Michigan showed a level of motivation and execution they hadn't played with to start the season. On the other hand, USC recovered from a poor first half showing to fight back and nearly win. Despite the road loss to Michigan there's a lot of positives USC can take into this coming Saturday Vs a Wisconsin team who, just like Michigan until last weekend, has underwhelmed to start the year:
Obviously USC can be expected to play better at home Vs Wisconsin, but to further that, in competitive showings Vs LSU and Michigan, the Trojans have executed with a lot of balance on both sides of the ball, fielding an improved defense and an offense that is competent in both running and passing. And last weekend, to be able to claw back Vs Michigan will, IMO, give the Trojans a lot of confidence starting this Saturday.
As for Wisconsin, there's not much to be inspired about. The Badgers haven't impressed, nor have they executed consistently, and in the bigger picture, the background drama of Fickell's tenure starting with staffing missteps can't be helping: 1) Fickell hiring a middling staff on offense (Longo/Bicknell), 2) Fickell wanting to fire Longo after a bad first season, 3) the AD blocking Longo's firing b/c of the buyout, and 4) Fickell in turn "reassigning" Bicknell away from the OL. Imagine if you're Longo coaching while knowing the HC wanted you gone. Image the players on that side of the ball knowing the head coach would rather have your coaches gone. It can't help.
27-13 USC wins