Sports
Wisconsin defense stifles No. 16 USC in 24-7 win in Madison
The Badgers held Southern California to minus-17 rushing yards and forced two first-half interceptions in a 24-7 upset Saturday night. Wisconsin improved to 5-2, and fans poured onto the field after the victory.
MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin’s defense limited No. 16 Southern California to minus-17 yards rushing, and the Badgers beat the Trojans 24-7 Saturday night in Madison as fans stormed the field after the upset.
Wisconsin improved to 5-2 overall and 3-1 in the Big Ten, earning its second win over a ranked opponent this season. The Badgers beat then-No. 13 Penn State 24-20 on Sept. 26.
Bryan Jackson, who transferred to Wisconsin after spending the previous two seasons at USC, gave the Badgers a 10-7 lead with a 5-yard touchdown run less than two minutes before halftime. It was his first touchdown for Wisconsin.
The Badgers extended their lead to 17-7 in the third quarter when Colton Joseph connected with Chris Brooks Jr. for a 16-yard touchdown on fourth-and-2. Junior Poyser later blocked a 44-yard field-goal attempt by USC.
Joseph completed 12 of 14 passes for 58 yards and ran 12 times for 32 yards. Abu Sama III led Wisconsin on the ground with 71 yards on 16 carries.
USC quarterback Jayden Maiava threw two interceptions in the first half. He finished 21 of 37 for 190 yards and a touchdown. The Trojans, now 5-2 overall and 2-2 in the Big Ten, managed 25 carries for minus-17 yards.
Wisconsin held USC to 92 yards in the first half while forcing both turnovers. The Trojans are scheduled to host No. 3 Ohio State next Saturday; Wisconsin visits No. 15 Iowa.