USC Can't Afford to Overlook Wisconsin Before Ohio State

Coming off its first bye week, No. 16 USC enters its matchup with Wisconsin at 6-1, but with No.3 Ohio State up next, could this be a trap game for the Trojans?

After playing seven straight games to open the season, the Trojans will face a Badgers team with a 4-2 overall record.

The Badgers will be looking for a signature win to show that Luke Fickell finally has the program heading in the right direction after failing to become bowl-eligible in the last two seasons.

USC will have to do something the Trojans have struggled to accomplish: win on the road in the Big Ten.

Since joining the conference, USC has gone 4-6 in road games. If they're going to do it, they can't be looking ahead to Ohio State.

This is despite knowing that OSU game will play a big part in determining whether USC makes its first College Football Playoff appearance.

With pressure already building, anything less than a 2-1 record over the next three games could intensify the scrutiny on Riley, whose seat Bruce Feldman rated as “Hot” in his latest temperature check.

“Riley’s buyout is still enormous, and even if a lot of USC folks are skeptical that he’s the guy to lead the Trojans, it’s still a huge financial issue. The buyout, though, is still going to be massive a year from now,” Feldman wrote.

With two major games looming, this matchup has the feel of a typical trap game.

Even though USC is only a three-point favorite, the Trojans are still expected to win.  

That makes this a dangerous spot for Lincoln Riley, who is already facing criticism for failing to restore USC as a consistent contender for conference and national championships.

The pressure increased after USC's 41-27 loss to Oregon. Entering the season ranked No. 13 in the AP preseason poll, the Trojans once again appeared at risk of falling short of expectations under Riley.

Following the loss, Dan Lanning used the opportunity to take a shot at the Trojans' program and the struggles they faced under Riley in big games, going 2-6 against ranked Big Ten teams since joining the conference.

"If you're interested in winning football games and (you're a recruit) from this area, you should go to Oregon," Lanning said. "If you want to go to a Chris Brown concert, you should go there."

However, since the loss, Riley has done a great job of keeping USC’s goals within reach and in its own control. The Trojans followed with a home win over Washington and a road victory over Penn State in white out conditions.

If USC is going to avoid an upset, its offense will need to continue doing what it has done all season against a Wisconsin team whose strength is its defense.

The Trojans rank second nationally in total offense, averaging 462.4 yards per game, and second in passing offense at 310.1 yards per game.

Jayden Maiava could be in line for a big game, as USC has done an excellent job of protecting its star quarterback.

The Trojans have allowed just six sacks, giving Maiava time to throw while limiting mistakes.

He has rewarded that protection with an 18-to-3 touchdown-to-interception ratio.

Wisconsin has struggled to generate pressure and create turnovers, recording just eight sacks and five interceptions this season.

If the Badgers can't pressure Maiava or force mistakes, USC's productive passing attack could be difficult to contain.

For USC, Saturday night is about avoiding an upset and keeping its College Football Playoff hopes in its own hands before two of its biggest tests of the season arrive.