Wisconsin's Stingy Pass Defense Will Test USC QB Maiava Saturday

As the No. 16 USC Trojans (6-1) enter their game week preparation for the Wisconsin Badgers (4-2), Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava should be studying what he could be facing from the Wisconsin pass defense.

Currently, Maiava sits atop the Big Ten Conference in the following passing categories:

Maiava is also No. 2 with 18 touchdown passes. That is one behind Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin. Sayin will miss several weeks due to injury.

Maiava could take the top spot in that category as well when the clock strikes zero in Wisconsin. He has completed 67.9 percent of his passes.

Their last time out, Maiava led USC to a 31-23 road victory over Penn State. Maiava threw for 301 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions.

Also, Maiava has thrown multiple TD passes in six of seven games this season.

Further, Maiava’s three touchdown passes against the Nittany Lions went to three different receivers: Kayden Dixon-Wyatt, Trent Mosley, and Tanook Hines. That trio has accounted for 13 of Maiava’s 18 scoring strikes.

Seven different receivers have caught at least one TD pass from Maiava.

The Trojans’ matchup with the Badgers on Oct. 24 will be the second consecutive game to be televised in prime time, at 4:30 p.m. PT on NBC.

The Wisconsin secondary is talented and productive. They have intercepted five passes on the season, including two against UCLA in a 17-7 defeat.

The Badgers are ranked No. 4 in pass defense in the Big Ten, at 171 yards per game. Wisconsin has allowed only a 56.7 percent completion rate.

Further, the Badgers have not allowed a touchdown pass since Sept. 19 against Eastern Michigan.

That is four weeks since a Wisconsin opponent found the end zone via the forward pass.

Maiava leads an offense that has averaged 462 yards per game and has gained 3,237 yards. That is good enough for No. 2 in the Big Ten.

The Trojans are one of just three teams in the conference to have gained 3,000 or more total yards this season.

USC is playing outstanding football right now, on both sides of the ball.

The Trojans have opened up a 3.5-point favorite in most U.S. sports books.

Maiava will be operating in a hostile environment. Camp Randall Stadium is a place where the fans follow the tubas to the stadium and jump around in the stands.

The Wisconsin players leap into the stands Lambeau-style after touchdowns.

The Trojans have more firepower on offense and a stingy defense.