Wisconsin’s nightmare start to the 2024 season continued on Saturday in Los Angeles, California.
The Badgers fell 38-21 to the No. 13 USC Trojans. The team led 21-10 at halftime. Then, just as they did against No. 4 Alabama two weeks ago, the Badgers disappeared out of the halftime break.
The final numbers tell an accurate story of what occurred. USC gained 29 first downs to Wisconsin’s 13 and 471 total yards to Wisconsin’s 286. The Trojans held the ball for more than 40 minutes of total game time.
USC mistakes handed Wisconsin a sizable first-half lead. But in hindsight, the Badgers were never the better team on the field.
The game truly shifted as USC scored 28 unanswered points out of the halftime break — 14 in the third quarter and 14 in the fourth quarter. Wisconsin had no response on offense, defense, or special teams. Instead, one USC touchdown immediately turned the momentum. Wisconsin began to hand the football away and relinquished to control of the game, a complete reversal from what occurred in the first half.
The loss is yet another tough reality check for the Luke Fickell era at Wisconsin. It appeared to be the fourth time in as many games this season that the Badgers were thoroughly out-coached. Looking forward, it’s hard to see a path to bowl eligibility.
Next up for Fickell and the Badgers is a home matchup with Purdue next Saturday. Things need to change for the program, and quickly.
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