Tag: wisconsin badgers football

D’Anton Lynn halftime adjustments hint at how good USC defense can be

D’Anton Lynn’s second-half results speak for themselves as the Trojans exit September and enter October with only one loss.

Good coaching is always evident in the player development and weekly game planning that are required to sustain successful seasons by stringing together victories. This is true at USC. It is true anywhere else. Great coaches can adapt on the fly and make the changes needed at halftime to correct issues with scheme, matchups and new wrinkles that were not seen on film in the weeks leading up to the game. Nobody at USC was better at this than Pete Carroll. If you gave him a few weeks to prepare for a team or scheme, it was almost certain that the Trojans would come away with a win. His record in big season openers and bowl games proves this. Now D’Anton Lynn is trying to create the same legacy and reality at USC.

D’Anton Lynn did a masterful job against Michigan by making the halftime adjustments which led to 25 brilliant minutes at the start of the second half. Lynn didn’t have any film on how the Wolverines were going to run the offense under first-time starting quarterback Alex Orji, and it showed in the first half with the Wolverines rushing for over 200 yards, but that changed in the second half. Lynn shut down the Michigan offense in the second half allowing the Trojans to come back and take the lead with a few minutes left.  Until a few uncharacteristic missed tackles late in the game, USC’s defense had held Orji and the Wolverines to 19 total yards and zero first downs in the second half — pure domination.

In the sesason opener, Lynn’s adjustments at the half significantly crippled the LSU offense. Tiger receiver Kyren Lacy had a career day in the first half and was shut down after halftime adjustments were made.

USC outscored Wisconsin 28-0 in the second half on Saturday. The Trojans Trailed the Badgers 21-10 at halftime.  Wisconsin was unable to do anything on offense after the midgame break and mustered under 100 yards of offense the rest of the way.  The Badgers’ second half consisted of 3 first downs, 32 rushing yards, 14 pass attempts for 50 yards, 82 total yards and 1 of 6 3rd down conversions.

USC has outscored its opponents 87-23 in the second half this season. USC held Wisconsin to 286 total yards, the second time in four games this season of holding the opponent under 300 total yards (190 versus Utah State). USC held one opponent under 300 total yards last season. USC has held its last three opponents to an average of 266 total yards (Utah State, Michigan, Wisconsin). D’Anton Lynn is building a winning profile at USC.

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USC second-half dominance is a welcome theme in 2024 season

USC has this second-half thing down. Halftime adjustments are on point. USC third quarters are great, a big departure from the Clay Helton years.

In an impressive display of defensive dominance, the USC Trojans shut out the Wisconsin Badgers in the second half of their matchup at the iconic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The Trojans’ stingy defense held Wisconsin to a mere 286 total yards for the full game, marking the second time in four games this season that they have limited an opponent to under 300 yards (Utah State in Game 2).

USC’s victory over Wisconsin extends its all-time record against the Badgers to 7-1. It was Wisconsin’s first game at the Coliseum since 1966. The Trojans made sure to maintain their undefeated record at home against the Badgers (3-0).

The Trojans’ defensive prowess was evident in the second half, when they held Wisconsin scoreless and outscored them 28-0. This dominant second-half performance is a testament to USC’s defensive capabilities and the staff’s ability to make adjustments at halftime.

Quarterback Miller Moss led the Trojans’ offensive attack, connecting with wide receiver Ja’Kobi Lane for a 32-yard touchdown pass on USC’s opening drive. This marked the Trojans’ first touchdown on the first drive of a game since November 4, 2023, against Washington.  Unfortunately, the excitement of a fast start was crushed when the Trojans failed to score another touchdown in the first half.

Moss, Ja’Kobi Lane, Woody Marks, and Duce Robinson led the Trojans’ offense. Moss completed 30 of 45 passes for 305 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. Lane had a breakout game, making 10 catches for 105 yards and two touchdowns. Marks extended his 49-game streak with at least one reception. He rushed for 63 yards on 19 carries and added 4 catches for 39 yards. Robinson contributed two receptions for 32 yards and a touchdown.

USC’s defense also clamped down on Wisconsin’s leading receiver, Will Pauling, limiting him to just two catches for 11 yards. Pauling had entered the game with an impressive 19 catches for 191 yards and a touchdown.

The Trojans’ impressive performance in the second half is a positive sign as they look to build momentum for the rest of the season. With a 3-1 record and a stingy defense, USC is well-positioned to make a run in the Big Ten Conference.

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USC will need to stop Wisconsin’s star wide receiver

Wisconsin receiver Will Pauling is viewed as the Badgers’ main pass-catching target, and therefore someone USC has to focus on in Week 5.

Locked On Badgers podcast host Ryan Harings joined us on Trojan Conquest live and we asked him about the playmakers on the Wisconsin Badgers team that will test USC’s defense on Saturday. One name which immediately came up: receiver Will Pauling.

“Yeah it’s not a long list unfortunately for Badger fans, but Will Pauling is a guy that you’re absolutely going to see a lot,” Harings explained. “He’s got 29 Targets this year for the Badgers that’s the guy who far and away leads the team in targets.   He leads the team in catches and had 74 receptions last year — really explosive player, North and South. Undersized but tough, physical. He will go over the middle, will take a hit, hold on to the ball, then when he catches it he embodies that Kyle Shanahan type of mentality — get north-south immediately north-south quick.”

Harings continued:

“Bryson Green, the Oklahoma State transfer, is more of our big-bodied guy.  You’re gonna see some of him. A young player that Badger fans are still waiting to break out is Trech Kekahuna. I’m curious, coming out of the bye, if they’re able to get him some looks. Coming into camp this year, a lot of hype (surrounded) the type of guy we’re going to get. He’s going to be explosive. Coming out of the bye that might be something to take a look at.”

Oddlly, Wisconsin has been run-heavy so far under new offensive coordinator Phil Longo, who everyone expected would install his air raid offense. The Badgers are averaging over 40 carries per game this year.

“You’re going to see a lot of the running game,” offered Harings about the Badgers’ offensive game plan. “You’re going to see Tawee Walker.  It’s more of a running back by committee though. It’s not that traditional great Wisconsin running back; you’re not going to see a Montee Ball-type talent.  Will Pauling’s the receiver to key on, and then it’s gonna be running back by committee for Wisconsin.”

https://www.youtube.com/live/7redR0k47bk?si=4aPC5jZ5j1QBbq6N&t=1741

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USC, Wisconsin ready for historic Big Ten matchup in Los Angeles

Wisconsin and USC met in Southern California over 60 years ago in a classic Rose Bowl. Now the two schools unite in the Trojans’ Big Ten home opener.

This weekend’s game between USC and Wisconsin is a sellout. The two storied programs are preparing for their first meeting in nine years. The last time these teams faced off was in the 2015 Holiday Bowl, with USC emerging victorious.

Wisconsin enters the game with a 2-1 record, led by second-year head coach Luke Fickell (9-7 record with the Badgers). The Badgers are coming off an idle week, having lost their previous game to then-No. 4 Alabama by a score of 42-10.  The Badgers were outgained by the Crimson Tide, 407 yards to 290.

Wisconsin’s offense is led by sixth-year running back Chez Mellusi, who has rushed for 213 yards and three touchdowns on 46 carries this season. Wide receiver Will Pauling is another key weapon for the Badgers, having recorded 19 receptions for 191 yards and a touchdown.

On the defensive side of the ball, safety Hunter Wohler leads the way with 17 tackles and two pass breakups.

USC, meanwhile, is 2-1 on the season and ranked No. 16 in the US LBM Coaches Poll. The Trojans are led by quarterback Miller Moss, who has thrown for 890 yards and 5 touchdowns with just one interception. Running back Woody Marks has also been a standout for USC, rushing for 271 yards and 3 touchdowns on 42 carries (6.5 yards per carry).

The Trojans’ defense is led by linebacker Eric Gentry, who has recorded 26 tackles (18 solo), 2 sacks, 6.5 tackles for loss, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery this season.

This inaugural Big Ten home opener for the Trojans is sure to be a memorable one, as two of college football’s most storied programs clash in a sold-out Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The most famous game between these two teams was played in Southern California, over at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. USC beat Wisconsin in the 1963 Rose Bowl, 42-37, to win John McKay’s first national title at USC.

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USC will face former Trojan C.J. Williams when Men of Troy play Wisconsin

CJ Williams has not been playing his best football since transferring from USC to Wisconsin. The Trojans hope that doesn’t change on Saturday.

Locked On Badgers podcast host Ryan Harings joined us on Trojan Conquest Live at The Voice of College Football. Trojans Wire asked him about the impact of wide receiver C.J. Williams, a former USC Trojan who transferred to Wisconsin in January of last year. Williams is one of the many familiar faces involved in this Saturday’s USC-Wisconsin game. He is one of several figures with connections to both schools.

Williams was the No. 62 player in the nation and the No. 7 wide receiver according the 247Sports ranking when he came out of Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, CA.

“He was an incredibly hyped get for Wisconsin,” Harings told us on our USC-Wisconsin preview show. “That first year portal guy for Luke Fickell.  He’s had troubles catching the ball, unfortunately.  He’s already had a drop this year, that’s kind of kept him off the field.  He’s behind Bryson Green in that boundary spot.  He’s a guy that Wisconsin had high hopes for.  It’s just physically, he’s had trouble separating.  I think the physicality in the Big Ten is a little different. Year 1 was a bit of an adjustment for him, and Year 2, he’s had a bit of trouble catching the ball unfortunately.”

USC’s looks to continue where it left off after a dominant second half in which the Trojans’ defense held the Michigan Wolverines to zero first downs until their last drive of the game. A strong effort from the USC defense would spoil Williams’ homecoming on Saturday.

https://www.youtube.com/live/7redR0k47bk?si=6QBZmGhrlYW4npZp&t=1838

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It’s a small world when USC faces Wisconsin

Alex Grinch isn’t the only person with connections to both teams in this Wisconsin versus USC game.

When the USC Trojans take on the Wisconsin Badgers this weekend, it will be a matchup of two teams with a number of connections.

USC has one player from the state of Wisconsin on its roster, defensive tackle Gavin Meyer. Wisconsin, meanwhile, has two players from the state of California: wide receiver C.J. Williams and kicker Gianni Smith.

The two teams also have several coaching connections. Wisconsin co-defensive coordinator / safeties coach Alex Grinch spent the 2022 and 2023 seasons as USC’s defensive coordinator. Grinch and USC head football coach Lincoln Riley also coached together at Oklahoma from 2019-21. Grinch and USC offensive coordinator / offensive line coach Josh Henson coached together at Missouri from 2012-14.

In addition, Wisconsin’s senior advisor to head coach Luke Fickell is Jack Del Rio, who was a consensus All-America linebacker at USC in 1984. Del Rio played in the 1982 Fiesta Bowl and 1985 Rose Bowl and was inducted into the USC Athletic Hall of Fame in 2015.

Wisconsin linebacker Tackett Curtis played at USC in 2023, making eight starts and recording 40 tackles. Wisconsin wide receiver CJ Williams also played at USC in 2022, catching four passes for 34 yards.

These connections add an extra layer of intrigue to this weekend’s matchup. With so many familiar faces on both sides, it’s sure to be an intense and competitive game.

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How to buy Wisconsin vs. Alabama Week 3 college football tickets

Want to watch the Wisconsin Badgers vs. Alabama Crimson Tide in person on Saturday, Sept. 14? Tickets still remain for as little as $154.

The Wisconsin Badgers will host the Alabama Crimson Tide in Madison on Saturday for a Week 3 matchup between the Southeastern Conference and Big Ten, and if you are looking for tickets to the game you have come to the right place.

The Badgers are 2-0 after a Week 1 win over the Western Michigan Broncos and a Week 2 victory over the South Dakota Coyotes — both at home. Wisconsin is not ranked in the US LBM Coaches Poll but did receive 28 votes on Sunday.

The Crimson Tide triumphed over the Western Kentucky Big Red and the South Florida Bulls, respectively, to also start the 2024 campaign at 2-0. ‘Bama comes in fourth and the third-highest-ranked SEC team this week in the Coaches Poll.

Wisconsin will host Alabama on Saturday, Sept. 14 at noon ET.

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How to buy Wisconsin vs Alabama football tickets

The battle between ‘Bama and Badgers should be a good one, despite the differential in the rankings. Wisconsin will be playing on its home turf while the Tide have shown some cracks in recent years after a lengthy dynasty run last decade.

At the time of publication, the cheapest available tickets for the Badgers vs Crimson Tide are $154.

[afflinkbutton text=”Shop Wisconsin vs. Alabama tickets at StubHub” link=”https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/8jyw2Xx”]

How to buy Alabama vs. Wisconsin college football tickets

Want to watch the Tide battle the Wisconsin Badgers in person on Saturday, Sept. 14? Tickets still remain for as little as $154.

The Wisconsin Badgers will host the Alabama Crimson Tide in Madison on Saturday for a Week 3 matchup between the Southeastern Conference and Big Ten, and if you are looking for tickets to the game you have come to the right place.

The Crimson Tide triumphed over the Western Kentucky Big Red and the South Florida Bulls, respectively, to also start the 2024 campaign at 2-0. ‘Bama comes in fourth and the third-highest-ranked SEC team this week in the Coaches Poll.

The Badgers are 2-0 after a Week 1 win over the Western Michigan Broncos and a Week 2 victory over the South Dakota Coyotes — both at home. Wisconsin is not ranked in the US LBM Coaches Poll but did receive 28 votes on Sunday.

Alabama travels to Wisconsin on Saturday, Sept. 14 at noon ET.

[afflinkbutton text=”Shop Wisconsin vs. Alabama tickets” link=”https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/8jyw2Xx”]

How to buy Alabama vs Wisconsin football tickets

The battle between ‘Bama and Badgers should be a good one, despite the differential in the rankings. Wisconsin will be playing on its home turf while the Tide have shown some cracks in recent years after a lengthy dynasty run last decade.

At the time of publication, the cheapest available tickets for the Badgers vs Crimson Tide are $154.

[afflinkbutton text=”Shop Wisconsin vs. Alabama tickets” link=”https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/8jyw2Xx”]

How to buy Wisconsin vs. Alabama Week 3 college football tickets

Want to watch the Wisconsin Badgers vs. Alabama Crimson Tide in person on Saturday, Sept. 14? Tickets still remain for as little as $154.

The Wisconsin Badgers will host the Alabama Crimson Tide in Madison on Saturday for a Week 3 matchup between the Southeastern Conference and Big Ten, and if you are looking for tickets to the game you have come to the right place.

The Badgers are 2-0 after a Week 1 win over the Western Michigan Broncos and a Week 2 victory over the South Dakota Coyotes — both at home. Wisconsin is not ranked in the US LBM Coaches Poll but did receive 28 votes on Sunday.

The Crimson Tide triumphed over the Western Kentucky Big Red and the South Florida Bulls, respectively, to also start the 2024 campaign at 2-0. ‘Bama comes in fourth and the third-highest-ranked SEC team this week in the Coaches Poll.

Wisconsin will host Alabama on Saturday, Sept. 14 at noon ET.

[afflinkbutton text=”Shop Wisconsin vs. Alabama tickets” link=”https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/8jyw2Xx”]

How to buy Wisconsin vs Alabama football tickets

The battle between ‘Bama and Badgers should be a good one, despite the differential in the rankings. Wisconsin will be playing on its home turf while the Tide have shown some cracks in recent years after a lengthy dynasty run last decade.

At the time of publication, the cheapest available tickets for the Badgers vs Crimson Tide are $154.

[afflinkbutton text=”Shop Wisconsin vs. Alabama tickets” link=”https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/8jyw2Xx”]

LOOK: Full Week 1 schedule for Wisconsin Badger football alumni in NFL

LOOK: Full Week 1 schedule for Wisconsin Badger football alumni in NFL

Following Leo Chenal’s spectacular seven-tackle performance against the Baltimore Ravens in Thursday night’s NFL season opener, a total of 24 more former Wisconsin Badgers will suit up for Week 1 of the 2024 NFL season this weekend.

Headlined by all-world outside linebacker T.J. Watt, versatile running back Jonathan Taylor and former Super Bowl champion quarterback Russell Wilson, the batch of UW alumni will participate in 12 more contests spanning from São Paulo, Brazil to San Francisco, California.

Former Wisconsin linebacker Zack Baun will look to ride Chenal’s momentum during the Eagles’ Friday night showdown with the Green Bay Packers in Brazil. Two days later, 15 former Badgers will lace up in the noon CT window.

Those early games include the first look at Colts offensive lineman Tanor Bortolini and the highly-anticipated return of Taylor in the backfield against Dare Ogunbowale and the Houston Texans.

Fans can also tune in to watch Maema Njongmeta, who just clinched a spot on the Bengals’ final 53-man roster, against the New England Patriots.

Watt, Wilson, Keeanu Benton, Nick Herbig and Isaiahh Loudermilk will play Atlanta at noon as well, before tight end Jake Ferguson and the Dallas Cowboys take the field on a nationally-televised stage vs. the Cleveland Browns.

https://twitter.com/BadgerFootball/status/1831842263611404647

Arguably the most notable game for Badger faithful, however, is the New York Jets’ primetime bout vs. the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night. Braelon Allen, who diced up defenders at running back throughout his UW tenure, will serve as the No. 2 running back behind Breece Hall.

After months of anticipation, it’s finally here. Buckle up, Badgers fans.