About Our Ads Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MADISON – If you like Wisconsin , you had to love the Badgers ' response Saturday, Oct. 24.
UW, which suffered a disappointing and frustrating loss at UCLA last week, returned to Camp Randall Stadium and recaptured its mojo in a major way.
The Badgers knocked off No. 15 USC , 24-7 , in front of a season-high announced crowd of 71,750.
The victory coupled with Wisconsin 's win at Penn State Sept. 26 gives the Badgers (5-2, 3-1 Big Ten) victories over two ranked opponents in the same season for the first time since 2019.
The win was also UW's third straight at home over a ranked opponent and extended the team's home winning streak to six games.
Wisconsin rode the shoulders of its defense and its ground game to victory.
On the ground, the Badgers grinded for 142 yards in 43 carries (3.3 avg.). Senior Abu Sama finished with 17 carries for 71 yards, while former USC Trojan Bryan Jackson, a junior, finished with 38 yards in seven attempts.
The defense, meanwhile, held USC (6-1, 3-1) to a season-low 241 yards. The Trojans ' previous season low was 360 yards against Washington Oct. 3.
Sophomore linebacker Cooper Catalano led the Badgers with nine tackles that included one tackle for a loss and one QB hurry. Fifth-year safety Matt Jung added eight tackles and broke up two passes.
Mason Posa came up big, too. The sophomore made 2½ tackles for a loss and 1½ sacks.
The star of the night, however, was fifth-year outside linebacker Sebastian Cheeks, who recorded five tackles that included four solo stops. The number that jumped out, however, was his 2 ½ sacks.
The performance offered a much-deserved reward for a player who has been at the forefront of the Badgers' ability to pressure the passer even though he had just 2 ½ sacks entering play to show for it.
This marked the third straight game the Badgers had made a change to its offensive line.
Junior Stylz Blackmon started at center for the second straight game even though Austin Kawecki, the starter for the first five games, wasn't on the availability report. The big change, however, was Barrett Nelson, a fifth-year senior who started at right guard ahead of junior PJ Wilkins. The Stoughton product spent much of the past two seasons injured before returning to the field this season.
The Badgers won the opening kickoff and deferred their choice until the second half. They made the most of that decision with their work going into the half and coming out of the break.
Those two possessions netted 23 plays, 150 yards and 13 minutes 32 seconds off the clock. Most important, the Badgers scored 14 points on the drives to take a 17-7 lead.
The drives included five third down conversions, four coming on the 75-yard TD drive that ended with Jackson's 5-yard run with 1:54 left in the first half.
Wisconsin Badgers safety Cairo Skanes (21) intercepts a pass intended for USC Trojans tight end Tucker Ashcraft (84) during their game Oct. 24, 2026, at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. (Scott Ash / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) Wisconsin Badgers running back Abu Sama III (3) is tripped up by USC Trojans safety Prophet Brown (16) during their game Oct. 24, 2026, at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. (Scott Ash / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) Wisconsin Badgers tight end Jacob Harris (89) can't reach a pass in the end zone during the game against USC, Oct. 24, 2026, at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. USC was called for pass interference on the play. (Scott Ash / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) Wisconsin Badgers head coach Luke Fickell talks with players during the game against USC, Oct. 24, 2026, at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. (Scott Ash / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Colton Joseph (1) is sacked by USC Trojans defensive end Braylan Shelby (10) during their game Oct. 24, 2026, at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. (Scott Ash / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) Wisconsin Badgers running back Bryan Jackson II (21) scores a touchdown during the game against USC, Oct. 24, 2026, at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. (Scott Ash / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) USC Trojans safety Christian Pierce (6) tackles Wisconsin Badgers running back Abu Sama III (3) during their game Oct. 24, 2026, at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. (Scott Ash / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) Wisconsin Badgers cornerback Donovan Dunmore (18) pushes USC Trojans wide receiver Trent Mosley (4) out of bounds on a punt return during their game Oct. 24, 2026, at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. (Scott Ash / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) Wisconsin Badgers outside linebacker Tyreese Fearbry (7) reacts after a tackle during the game against USC, Oct. 24, 2026, at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. (Scott Ash / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) Wisconsin Badgers cornerback Javan Robinson (2) deflects a pass intended for USC Trojans wide receiver Kayden Dixon-Wyatt (17) during their game Oct. 24, 2026, at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. Wisconsin Badgers cornerback Bryce West (5) recovered the ball for an interception. (Scott Ash / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) Wisconsin Badgers cornerback Bryce West (5) races upfield after intercepting a pass in the game against USC, Oct. 24, 2026, at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. (Scott Ash / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) Wisconsin Badgers cornerback Bryce West (5) celebrates an interception during the game against USC, Oct. 24, 2026, at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. (Scott Ash / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) Wisconsin Badgers safety Cairo Skanes (21) races downfield after intercepting a pass in the game against USC, Oct. 24, 2026, at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. (Scott Ash / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Eugene Hilton Jr. (13) is tackled by USC Trojans cornerback Elbert "Rock" Hill IV (2) during their game Oct. 24, 2026, at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. (Scott Ash / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) USC Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) looks to throw a pass during the game against Wisconsin, Oct. 24, 2026, at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. (Scott Ash / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) Wisconsin Badgers outside linebacker Sebastian Cheeks (15) sacks USC Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) during their game Oct. 24, 2026, at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. (Scott Ash / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) Wisconsin Badgers head coach Luke Fickell checks the scoreboard during the game against USC, Oct. 24, 2026, at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. (Scott Ash / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) USC Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) gives the ball to running back King Miller (8) during the game against Wisconsin, Oct. 24, 2026, at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. (Scott Ash / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) USC Trojans tight end Taniela Tupou (88) celebrates a touchdown reception with offensive lineman Tobias Raymond (73) during the game against Wisconsin, Oct. 24, 2026, at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. (Scott Ash / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Colton Joseph (1) throws a pass to tight end Grant Stec (85) during the game against USC, Oct. 24, 2026, at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. (Scott Ash / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) Wisconsin Badgers running back Abu Sama III (3) weaves through traffic during the game against USC, Oct. 24, 2026, at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. (Scott Ash / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Colton Joseph (1) calls for the snap from Stylz Blackmon (76) during the game against USC, Oct. 24, 2026, at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. (Scott Ash / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Colton Joseph (1) runs for a first down during the game against USC, Oct. 24, 2026, at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. (Scott Ash / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) Wisconsin Badgers running back Abu Sama III (3) races for the corner during the game against USC, Oct. 24, 2026, at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. (Scott Ash / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) Wisconsin Badgers offensive lineman Barrett Nelson (70) faces off with USC Trojans defensive tackle Jahkeem Stewart (4) during their game Oct. 24, 2026, at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. (Scott Ash / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) Wisconsin fans cheer on their team during the game against USC, Oct. 24, 2026, at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. (Scott Ash / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) 1 / 26 See Wisconsin football highlights vs USC at Camp Randall Wisconsin Badgers safety Cairo Skanes (21) intercepts a pass intended for USC Trojans tight end Tucker Ashcraft (84) during their game Oct. 24, 2026, at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. (Scott Ash / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) 1 / 26 See Wisconsin football highlights vs USC at Camp Randall Wisconsin Badgers safety Cairo Skanes (21) intercepts a pass intended for USC Trojans tight end Tucker Ashcraft (84) during their game Oct. 24, 2026, at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. (Scott Ash / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) 2 / 26 See Wisconsin football highlights vs USC at Camp Randall Wisconsin Badgers running back Abu Sama III (3) is tripped up by USC Trojans safety Prophet Brown (16) during their game Oct. 24, 2026, at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. (Scott Ash / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) 3 / 26 See Wisconsin football highlights vs USC at Camp Randall Wisconsin Badgers tight end Jacob Harris (89) can't reach a pass in the end zone during the game against USC, Oct. 24, 2026, at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. USC was called for pass interference on the play. (Scott Ash / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) 4 / 26 See Wisconsin football highlights vs USC at Camp Randall Wisconsin Badgers head coach Luke Fickell talks with players during the game against USC, Oct. 24, 2026, at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. (Scott Ash / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) 5 / 26 See Wisconsin football highlights vs USC at Camp Randall Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Colton Joseph (1) is sacked by USC Trojans defensive end Braylan Shelby (10) during their game Oct. 24, 2026, at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. (Scott Ash / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) 6 / 26 See Wisconsin football highlights vs USC at Camp Randall Wisconsin Badgers running back Bryan Jackson II (21) scores a touchdown during the game against USC, Oct. 24, 2026, at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. (Scott Ash / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) 7 / 26 See Wisconsin football highlights vs USC at Camp Randall USC Trojans safety Christian Pierce (6) tackles Wisconsin Badgers running back Abu Sama III (3) during their game Oct. 24, 2026, at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. (Scott Ash / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) 8 / 26 See Wisconsin football highlights vs USC at Camp Randall Wisconsin Badgers cornerback Donovan Dunmore (18) pushes USC Trojans wide receiver Trent Mosley (4) out of bounds on a punt return during their game Oct. 24, 2026, at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. (Scott Ash / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) 9 / 26 See Wisconsin football highlights vs USC at Camp Randall Wisconsin Badgers outside linebacker Tyreese Fearbry (7) reacts after a tackle during the game against USC, Oct. 24, 2026, at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. (Scott Ash / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) 10 / 26 See Wisconsin football highlights vs USC at Camp Randall Wisconsin Badgers cornerback Javan Robinson (2) deflects a pass intended for USC Trojans wide receiver Kayden Dixon-Wyatt (17) during their game Oct. 24, 2026, at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. Wisconsin Badgers cornerback Bryce West (5) recovered the ball for an interception. (Scott Ash / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) 11 / 26 See Wisconsin football highlights vs USC at Camp Randall Wisconsin Badgers cornerback Bryce West (5) races upfield after intercepting a pass in the game against USC, Oct. 24, 2026, at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. (Scott Ash / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) 12 / 26 See Wisconsin football highlights vs USC at Camp Randall Wisconsin Badgers cornerback Bryce West (5) celebrates an interception during the game against USC, Oct. 24, 2026, at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. (Scott Ash / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) 13 / 26 See Wisconsin football highlights vs USC at Camp Randall Wisconsin Badgers safety Cairo Skanes (21) races downfield after intercepting a pass in the game against USC, Oct. 24, 2026, at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. (Scott Ash / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) 14 / 26 See Wisconsin football highlights vs USC at Camp Randall Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Eugene Hilton Jr. (13) is tackled by USC Trojans cornerback Elbert "Rock" Hill IV (2) during their game Oct. 24, 2026, at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. (Scott Ash / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) 15 / 26 See Wisconsin football highlights vs USC at Camp Randall USC Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) looks to throw a pass during the game against Wisconsin, Oct. 24, 2026, at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. (Scott Ash / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) 16 / 26 See Wisconsin football highlights vs USC at Camp Randall Wisconsin Badgers outside linebacker Sebastian Cheeks (15) sacks USC Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) during their game Oct. 24, 2026, at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. (Scott Ash / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) 17 / 26 See Wisconsin football highlights vs USC at Camp Randall Wisconsin Badgers head coach Luke Fickell checks the scoreboard during the game against USC, Oct. 24, 2026, at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. (Scott Ash / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) 18 / 26 See Wisconsin football highlights vs USC at Camp Randall USC Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) gives the ball to running back King Miller (8) during the game against Wisconsin, Oct. 24, 2026, at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. (Scott Ash / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) 19 / 26 See Wisconsin football highlights vs USC at Camp Randall USC Trojans tight end Taniela Tupou (88) celebrates a touchdown reception with offensive lineman Tobias Raymond (73) during the game against Wisconsin, Oct. 24, 2026, at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. (Scott Ash / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) 20 / 26 See Wisconsin football highlights vs USC at Camp Randall Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Colton Joseph (1) throws a pass to tight end Grant Stec (85) during the game against USC, Oct. 24, 2026, at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. (Scott Ash / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) 21 / 26 See Wisconsin football highlights vs USC at Camp Randall Wisconsin Badgers running back Abu Sama III (3) weaves through traffic during the game against USC, Oct. 24, 2026, at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. (Scott Ash / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) 22 / 26 See Wisconsin football highlights vs USC at Camp Randall Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Colton Joseph (1) calls for the snap from Stylz Blackmon (76) during the game against USC, Oct. 24, 2026, at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. (Scott Ash / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) 23 / 26 See Wisconsin football highlights vs USC at Camp Randall Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Colton Joseph (1) runs for a first down during the game against USC, Oct. 24, 2026, at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. (Scott Ash / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) 24 / 26 See Wisconsin football highlights vs USC at Camp Randall Wisconsin Badgers running back Abu Sama III (3) races for the corner during the game against USC, Oct. 24, 2026, at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. (Scott Ash / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) 25 / 26 See Wisconsin football highlights vs USC at Camp Randall Wisconsin Badgers offensive lineman Barrett Nelson (70) faces off with USC Trojans defensive tackle Jahkeem Stewart (4) during their game Oct. 24, 2026, at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. (Scott Ash / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) 26 / 26 See Wisconsin football highlights vs USC at Camp Randall Wisconsin fans cheer on their team during the game against USC, Oct. 24, 2026, at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. (Scott Ash / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) Wisconsin commitment to the run pays off Badger running backs combined for 12 carries in the UCLA loss. They had 13 in the first half with Sama getting 12 of those attempts.
As a result, Sama was able to get into a rhythm that produced 5 yards per carry, no negative yardage players and a 17-yard run during the team's touchdown drive that was its longest play of the possession.
UW backs combined for 24 carries and 109 yards, helping the team overcome a night when quarterback Colton Joseph completed 12 of 14 passes for 58 yards.
Wisconsin took a 10-7 lead with 1:54 to play in the first half thanks to a 13-play, 75-yard touchdown drive that ended with a 5-yard run by Jackson.
USC had plenty of time left to make something happen, but the Badgers shut down the possession by creating two negative-yardage plays during the five-play possession. Catalano set the tone by dropping Trojans running back King Miller for a 2-yard loss. Three plays later Hammond Russell, with some help from Tyreese Fearbry, sacked Maiava for an 11-yard loss that cause the Trojans to raise the white flag for the rest of the half.
The Badgers, by the way, controlled the second quarter, holding a 70-39 edge in total yards and averaging 5.4 yards per play compared to 2.6 for USC.
Wisconsin had two turnovers in the first quarter.
Nickel corner Bryce West intercepted a pass deflected by Javan Robinson and returned it 23 yards to the USC 17 with 8:12 left in the first quarter. The next possession, safety Cairo Skanes picked off Jayden Maiava and returned it 27 yards to the Trojans 35 at the 3:54 mark of the quarter.
What did the Badgers do with those momentum swings? Eight plays for 4 yards and three points.
Gavin Lahm's 33-yard field goal off West's interception gave the Badgers a 3-0 edge at the 7:24 mark of the opening quarter.
However, the fifth-year senior pushed a 51-yard attempt with 1:45 to go in the quarter wide right, leaving UW with three points to show for a couple of impressive takeaways by the defense.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin 24, No. 15 USC 7 | Instant takeaways from second ranked win of season
Source: Sports
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