MADISON, Wi — USC’s offense never found its rhythm, and the No. 16 Trojans suffered a 24-7 loss to Wisconsin on Saturday, struggling to generate points in a Big Ten road game at Camp Randall Stadium.
The loss dropped USC to 6-2 overall and 3-2 in Big Ten play, ending the momentum the Trojans had built with a victory at Penn State before their bye week. USC managed just seven points, its lowest scoring output under coach Lincoln Riley.
“Really disappointing game. Just flat-out didn’t play good enough on all three sides of the football,” Riley said after the game. “Didn’t coach good enough either. Made critical errors on the road against a good football team that you can’t make.”
The Trojans struggled to protect the football and establish a running game. Quarterback Jayden Maiava threw two interceptions in the first half, and USC finished with minus-17 rushing yards on 25 carries.
USC’s defense kept the game close early, holding Wisconsin to a field goal in the first quarter. The Trojans took a brief 7-3 lead in the second when Maiava connected with tight end Taniela Tupou on a 4-yard touchdown pass, the first of Tupou’s career.
Wisconsin responded with a 5-yard touchdown run by Bryan Jackson, who transferred to the Badgers after spending the previous two seasons at USC. His score put Wisconsin ahead 10-7 just before halftime.
The Badgers extended their advantage in the third quarter when quarterback Colton Joseph found Chris Brooks Jr. for a 16-yard touchdown on fourth-and-2. Ryan Schwendeman added a 1-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter to seal the victory.
Maiava completed 21 of 37 passes for 190 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. Wisconsin’s defense pressured him throughout the night, recording five sacks and blocking a 44-yard field-goal attempt late in the third quarter.
Maiava took responsibility for his performance as the Trojans turned their attention to the next challenge.
“I think it was a lot of self-inflicting wounds. It’s just stuff we got to get better at,” Maiava said. “And me, flat out, didn’t play great individually but I just got to deliver better for my teammates.”
USC returns home Saturday, Oct. 31, to face No. 3 Ohio State. The Trojans will need to improve their ball security, rushing attack and execution to rebound from a disappointing road performance.