Wisconsin Football Keys to Victory vs. No. 13 USC

Wisconsin football is set to begin Big Ten play against a conference newcomer, the No. 13 USC Trojans.

After a week off, UW has had the time to rest, recover, and draw up a revised game plan with Braedyn Locke leading the charge. The Badgers -- currently 2-1 on the year -- are still searching for their first statement win under Luke Fickell, and they'll have to tame a hot Trojans offense to do so.

Here's a look at three things UW must do to come out victorious on the road against Lincoln Riley and USC.

Wisconsin Must Get the Ground Game Going Quickly

Michigan's offense put out the blueprint for defeating USC in their 27-24 win last week: run the dang ball. The Wolverines had their way with the Trojans on the ground, recording 290 rushing yards on 46 attempts for an average of 6.3 yards per carry, and a few explosive run plays were what sent USC home with a loss in their inaugural Big Ten matchup.

If Wisconsin wants to keep this game within reach, getting the running backs going and keeping the ball out of the USC offense's hands will be the biggest key. They'll also need to find a way to generate some big plays in the run game, which the Badgers haven't had much of through their first three games.

Wisconsin's offensive line performed well against Alabama, all things considered, and they'll need to continue on that trajectory by creating holes for Chez Mellusi, Tawee Walker, and Cade Yacamelli against a weaker defensive line. It will need to be a full team effort by this Badgers offense to get some sort of explosiveness that has been severely lacking.

Find Ways to Limit USC's Passing Attack

USC's junior quarterback, Miller Moss, has taken the reins and is looking to fill some big shoes after Caleb Williams went to the NFL. Moss has delivered in a big way through the first three games for the Trojans, throwing for 890 yards, five touchdowns, and one interception with a 65% completion percentage. He currently ranks No. 8 in the nation and No. 3 in the Big Ten in completions per game and has led the Trojans to the No. 1 passing offense in the conference.

Finding ways to slow the passing game will be easier said than done, especially considering the sheer amount of weapons Moss has at his disposal. Sophomore standout Zachariah Branch leads the team in receptions (14) and receiving yards (173), while Kyron Hudson and Ja'Kobi Lane have each logged nine receptions for over 100 yards. Add in a dynamic tight end, Lake McRee, and this offense is loaded with receiving talent.

Wisconsin's secondary played about as poorly as it could have against the Crimson Tide, with several blown assignments and allowing big plays over the top. The Badgers can't afford to have a similar performance against this dynamic receiving corps.

Related: Braedyn Locke Auditioning to Become QB of the Future for Wisconsin Football

Build Braedyn Locke's Confidence

The bye week couldn't have come at a better time for the Badgers after Tyler Van Dyke suffered a season-ending injury. Braedyn Locke was thrust into the game against Alabama, which is a big undertaking for any backup quarterback, and his play didn't inspire much hope. Now that the Badgers have had a week to prepare, getting Locke comfortable will be critical.

If UW can get the run game going, it will take some responsibility off of the redshirt sophomore's shoulders, but it's important Locke gains some confidence in his throws. Wisconsin can build that confidence by dialing up some easy dink-and-dunk pass plays to get him in a groove and then incorporate some big plays to keep the Trojans on their toes. Locke struggled with his accuracy last week, but if Phil Longo can give him some layups, we might see a better version of the new Badgers QB1.

Related: All Badgers Staff Predictions: Wisconsin Football vs. USC

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