No. 16 USC visits Wisconsin with both teams needing a win to stay in the Big Ten title race. The Trojans have won two straight and are unbeaten on the road this season; Wisconsin is coming off its first conference loss. The pick: Under 50.5 points, with USC’s offense facing a strong Wisconsin defense and little confidence in the Badgers’ offense.

By the Numbers
  • USC leads the all-time series, 7-1.
  • USC is 5-1 under Lincoln Riley coming off a bye and has won three straight in that spot.
  • Wisconsin has won 1 of its 6 home games against AP-ranked opponents under Luke Fickell.
  • The projected total is 50.5 points.
Yes, But

USC has struggled on the road under Riley, but it has won both road games this season. Wisconsin’s recent losses to ranked teams have often been lopsided, though four of the five came against teams ranked in the top four.

What's Next

The game is set for Saturday, Oct. 24, at 7:30 p.m. ET at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, airing on NBC. The winner stays in contention as a chaotic Big Ten race unfolds; the loser will need help from results elsewhere.

Bottom Line

The forecast offers Wisconsin no cold-weather edge, and the matchup points toward a defensive, lower-scoring game. The recommendation is Under 50.5.