USC vs. Wisconsin live stream, where to watch, TV channel, odds, spread, prediction, picks

No. 13 USC welcomes Wisconsin to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for a Big Ten showdown on Saturday in a nationally televised game on CBS. This weekend's contest will be the eighth meeting ever between the new conference opponents and the first since the 2015 Holiday Bowl, which the Badgers won 23-21, ending USC's six-game winning streak in the series.

Both teams come into this game with losses against traditional heavyweights. The Trojans fell 27-24 to Michigan in the program's first Big Ten Conference game at the Big House last weekend, while the Badgers will look to shake off a stunning 42-10 loss to Alabama on Sept. 14.

Wisconsin starting quarterback Tyler Van Dyke will miss the remainder of the 2024 season after suffering an injury Torn cruciate ligament in right knee during the loss to the Crimson Tide. The former Miami signal-caller will be replaced by Braedyn Locke, who served as former Ohio State star wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba's high school quarterback.

Locke threw a touchdown pass in relief of Van Dyke last week, but completed just 50% of his passes for 125 yards.

Here are the key storylines to keep an eye on as USC plays its first home game as a member of the Big Ten this weekend.

How to watch USC vs. Wisconsin live

Date: Saturday September 28th | Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
Location: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum – Los Angeles

TV: CBS | Live stream: CBSSports.com, CBS Sports App (Free)
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USC vs. Wisconsin: Need to know

USC's defense must stop the run: USC poached defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn from crosstown rival UCLA in the offseason. Blamed for turning around a woeful Trojans defense, Lynn's UCLA team was among the best in the country last season. There were incremental steps in the right direction on that side of the ball, but the Trojans still struggled at the point of attack against the run. Michigan managed 290 yards on the ground while LSU ran for 113 (4.5 yards per carry) in Week 1. Wisconsin averages 172 yards per game, so slowing down the run and forcing an inexperienced quarterback to pass is the key to victory.

Locke can give Wisconsin a spark: This won't be the first time Locke has stepped into the fold as Wisconsin's starter. He started three games last fall against Illinois, Ohio State and Indiana as a replacement for former starter Tanner Mordecai. He wasn't flashy, but showed some efficiency with five touchdowns and zero interceptions in those starts. A physical, grueling rushing attack has been a staple of Wisconsin's offense for years. If the Badgers can do that against a vulnerable opponent, it would take the pressure off Locke to be the hero.

Zachariah Branch is USC's X-factor: Branch does a little bit of everything for USC, but his primary role is being a deadly punt and kick returner. Branch had two home visits on special teams last year and is hoping for his first big return in 2024. On offense, he nearly had his first 100-yard receiving game (98 yards) last weekend. Getting him open at the seams and in space could be the spark the USC offense needs to explode this game.

USC vs Wisconsin Prediction, Tips

Wisconsin is off to a shaky start to the 2024 season, highlighted by two lackluster performances in the first two weeks against Western Michigan and South Dakota. Locke is 1-2 in his career as a starter, and this is a great opportunity for the USC defense to perform well against Michigan after a poor performance on that side of the ball. Moss looked like a Heisman dark horse in the first month of the season, and a strong performance would immediately put him back in the conversation. Selection: USC -15.5

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