Bucky's 5th Quarter
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Badgers flip 4 star LB from Big Ten school after big win
The Wisconsin Badgers rallied to a 24-7 victory over the USC Trojans, boosting their record to 5-2 and debuting at No. 25 in the AP Top 25. Off the field, four-star linebacker Blake Betton, a Minnesota native with offers from Michigan and Michigan State, flipped his commitment from Penn State to Wisconsin, joining the Badgers’ 2027 linebacker corps alongside three-star recruits Nathan Jones and Keaton Wollan. Betton, ranked among the top four prospects in Minnesota by Rivals, ESPN and 247Sports, was present at the Rose Bowl win, confirming the long‑sought recruitment success for coach Luke Fickell.
Badgers bounce back from Washington loss with win over Michigan at the Field House
The No. 6 AVCA‑ranked Wisconsin Badgers rebound from a five‑set loss to Washington by defeating Michigan 3‑1 at the Field House on Sunday. After dropping the first set 25‑20, Wisconsin stormed back with three straight 25‑20, 25‑18, 25‑20 wins, tallying a .402 hitting percentage and 60 total kills—its first .400+ performance of the season. Decelise Champion leads with 20 kills, and several teammates post double‑digit kills, 5+ blocks, and 8+ digs. Coach Kelly Sheffield praises the offensive surge, and the Badgers now head west to face USC and UCLA.
Badgers ranked for the 1st time since 2023 after big win
The Wisconsin Badgers crack the AP Top 25 for the first time since 2023 after a 24‑7 upset of No. 16 USC on Oct. 24, landing at No. 25 in Sunday’s poll. Coach Luke Fickell’s squad dominated defensively with two turnovers and five sacks, while the ground game carried 40+ rushes for 71 yards by Abu Sama. The win follows a mixed season that saw the Badgers flirt with votes, a bye week, and a recent 17‑7 loss to UCLA. Their ranking joins four other Big Ten teams (Ohio State, Indiana, UCLA, Northwestern) as they prepare to face Iowa next weekend.
Badgers grades, snap counts on offense from Week 8 vs. USC: New starter earns highest grade on team
The Wisconsin Badgers rolled past USC 24-7 on Oct. 24, improving to 5-2 overall and 3-1 in the Big Ten. The win hinges on a dominant ground attack and stout defense, with quarterback Colton Joseph posting 58 passing yards, 13 carries for 43 yards and no turnovers. Running backs Abu Sama III (71 yards, 17 carries) and Bryan Jackson II (38 yards, 1 TD) share a 68‑grade, while new right‑guard Barrett Nelson earns the highest PFF grade of the team at 72.1, also the top grade among all offensive players. The offensive line allows just five pressures, and the Badgers capitalize on a run‑heavy game plan to secure the blowout.
What Luke Fickell said after Badgers win over USC on Saturday
Wisconsin stunned USC 24-7 at Camp Randall on Oct. 24, prompting head coach Luke Fickell to hail the upset as an "incredible night." Fickell praised his team's resilience after a tough previous week, highlighting the defense’s dominance—holding USC to minus‑17 rushing yards—and the flexibility of the secondary despite injuries and lineup shuffles. He credited coaches Tress, Haynes, Cooper and Steeples for orchestrating effective packages and noted the crowd’s field‑storming celebration. The win, he said, fuels belief in the program’s growth and sets a new standard for Wisconsin football.
3 quick takeaways from Wisconsin’s win over USC: Badgers have the mental fortitude to bounce back
The Wisconsin Badgers rebound from a 17‑7 loss to UCLA with a 24‑7 upset of No. 16 USC on Oct. 24, 2026, improving to 5‑2 overall and 3‑1 in the Big Ten. Luke Fickell’s defense forces two early interceptions, sacks quarterback Jayden Maiava five times, and holds USC to just seven points. On offense, the Badgers lean on the ground, running 43 carries for 71 yards from Abu Sama and a 38‑yard, touchdown effort by Bryan Jackson. The win also signals a newfound mental toughness after years of bounce‑back struggles, giving Wisconsin momentum in the conference race.
Badgers hold USC to lowest points ever under Lincoln Riley in dominant win
The Wisconsin Badgers crush No. 16 USC Trojans 24-7 at Camp Randall, delivering the lowest point total ever allowed by USC under Lincoln Riley. Luke Fickell’s defense forces two turnovers and shuts out the Trojans in the second half, while running back Bryan Jackson II scores a go‑ahead TD and the offense adds a field goal. USC manages only a single touchdown before the Badgers pull away before halftime. The win, highlighted by sacks from Sebastian Cheeks and a pick‑six by Cairo Skanes, underscores Wisconsin’s dominant defensive performance.
Wisconsin Badgers vs. USC Trojans Game Thread: Can Wisconsin stop USC’s elite offense?
The Wisconsin Badgers host No. 16 USC Trojans on Oct. 24 at 6:30 p.m. on NBC, seeking to rebound from a 17‑7 loss to UCLA. USC arrives with an elite offense led by quarterback Jayden Maiava, while its defense remains shaky. The Badgers, three‑point underdogs, will have starting center Austin Kawecki back, but experts still favor USC covering the spread and handing Wisconsin its second straight defeat. The game thread invites fan discussion as the Badgers aim to upset the Trojans and earn a signature win for Luke Fickell.
Expert predictions for Wisconsin vs. USC: Is there faith in the Badgers after last week?
The Wisconsin Badgers host No. 16 USC on Saturday night, aiming to rebound from a 17‑7 loss to UCLA. USC, fresh off a 31‑23 win over Penn State, enters the game 6‑1 and is a three‑point favorite on FanDuel, with a 50.5 over/under. Despite the odds, 61% of fan poll voters back an upset. CBS Sports analysts unanimously pick USC to cover and win, while The Athletic’s picks are split, giving Wisconsin a slight edge in several forecasts. Columnist Bucky predicts USC will cover the spread and win, citing Wisconsin’s strong defense but doubting its ability to overcome USC’s passing attack. The matchup is a pivotal test for both teams ahead of Wisconsin’s next games against USC and Iowa.
Couple Badgers starters on injury report, while USC has 6 players out, 3 questionable
The Wisconsin Badgers host No. 16 USC on Saturday night amid a crowded injury report. Wisconsin lists starters Javan Robinson, Darrion Dupree and Austin Kawecki as probable, with running back Nate Palmer and receiver Malachi Coleman questionable. The Badgers aim to rebound from a 17-7 loss to UCLA. USC, 6-1 after a 31-23 win at Penn State, faces six definite absences—WRs Terrell Anderson and Corey Simms, safety Kendarius Reddick, LB Taylor Johnson, LB Roman Marchetti, and K. O’Connor—and three questionable players: TE Mark Bowman, WR Luc Weaver and DT Jide Abasiri. Bowman’s return could be a game‑changer, while Tucker Ashcraft may step in at TE. Both teams will test depth in a high‑stakes Big Ten showdown.
3 predictions for Wisconsin vs. USC: Is an upset in the cards?
The Badgers, fresh off a 17-7 loss to No. 12 UCLA, host No. 16 USC at Camp Randall on Oct. 24. Wisconsin enters as three‑point underdogs with a 50.5‑point over/under, while USC—fresh from a 31-23 win over Penn State—ranks near the bottom nationally in defensive EPA. Both teams struggle against the run, and the preview predicts a tight, turnover‑driven battle. Key watch: USC quarterback Colton Joseph’s passing against Wisconsin’s elite defense, and whether the Badgers can force a turnover to spark an upset.
Badgers trending to flip four star LB from Big Ten school
The Wisconsin Badgers, who have built a Top‑30, 2027 recruiting class with 22 commits, are reportedly close to flipping four‑star linebacker Blake Betton from the Penn State Nittany Lions. On3’s Steve Wiltfong says Betton, a Minnesota native and one of the state's top three prospects, feels “closer to being a Badger” after a verbal commitment to Penn State in April. Betton, who recently visited Penn State again, could join existing linebacker commits Nathan Jones and Keaton Wollan, bolstering Wisconsin’s already strong recruiting momentum.
Wisconsin vs. No. 16 USC: Kickoff time, odds, and channel for Week 8
After a 17-7 defeat at UCLA, the Wisconsin Badgers (4-2) aim to rebound against No. 16 USC on Saturday, Oct. 24, at 6:30 p.m. CT on NBC. USC (6-1) rides a narrow win streak but faces scrutiny of coach Lincoln Riley. Wisconsin must win one of its next two games, including the upcoming Iowa clash, to stay on track. Watch details: Camp Randall Stadium, spread USC -3, over/under 50.5.
Wisconsin Badgers vs. No. 21 Washington Huskies Game Thread: Another ranked opportunity on the schedule
The Wisconsin Badgers, fresh off sweeps of Maryland and Iowa that lifted them to a 13-5 overall record (7-1 Big Ten), face No. 21 Washington Huskies Friday at 8 p.m. on the Big Ten Network. The matchup adds another top‑25 test to a packed home stretch that also includes Michigan and a November 8 showdown with No. 16 Penn State. The Badgers were recently slotted as the No. 4 seed in the NCAA tournament, two spots above their AVCA ranking, underscoring the stakes of the Washington game.
Wisconsin Football: Best Case, Worst Case, and Most Likely Scenarios vs. No. 16 USC
Bucky's 5th Quarter breaks down Wisconsin's upcoming clash with No. 16 USC (6‑1) at Camp Randall on Oct. 23. The author outlines three scenarios: a best‑case 27‑24 Badgers win sparked by Colton Joseph’s dual‑threat play and a late‑game defensive stand; a worst‑case 35‑10 loss as USC’s quarterback Jayden Maiava exploits Wisconsin’s struggling O‑line and inconsistent offense; and a most‑likely 28‑16 defeat where the Trojans out‑talent the Badgers but the game stays competitive. Key takeaways include USC’s potent offense, Wisconsin’s defensive potential, and Luke Fickell’s need for better execution.
Film Review: Was Mike Tressel the problem vs. UCLA?
The Badgers’ 7-17 loss to UCLA sparked criticism of defensive coordinator Mike Tressel after backup QB Ty Dieffenbach threw for 264 yards. While Wisconsin’s front seven limited the run, the secondary’s miscommunication on third downs allowed UCLA to convert 13 of 20 attempts and dominate time of possession. A drive‑by‑drive film review highlights missed assignments by players like Aaron Witt and Cairo Skanes, blown coverage on screens, and ineffective blitzes, suggesting Tressel’s schemes struggled to disrupt Dieffenbach’s passing attack. The analysis sets up the upcoming matchup against USC, questioning whether adjustments can fix the defensive lapses.
Badgers senior guard among 76 players to get eligibility after California judge grants injunction
Senior guard Braeden Carrington joins 75 other seniors granted a fifth year of eligibility after a California judge issued an injunction in the Glancey v. NCAA case. The Badgers, who have operated with 14 players this offseason, add Carrington—who averaged 8.3 points, 2.4 rebounds and hit a career‑high 32‑point, nine‑three game against Washington—to an already crowded backcourt that includes transfers Owen Foxwell, Trey Autry, and freshman prospect Jackson Ball. While Jack Janicki starts at shooting guard in exhibition games, Carrington could earn a starter role or remain the primary sixth man as Wisconsin prepares for the 2026 season.
Everything Kelly Sheffield said about transfer portal window, upcoming week ahead of Washington, Michigan
Coach Kelly Sheffield praises Wisconsin’s recent 13‑5 (7‑1 Big Ten) stretch, highlighting wins over Maryland and Iowa and the team’s rise to No. 4 in the NCAA Top 16 rankings. He lauds standout performances from Jaela Auguste, Lynney Tarnow, Decelise Champion, Anna Bardaro and Kristen Simon. Looking ahead, Sheffield previews the upcoming matchups with Washington and Michigan. He also addresses the transfer‑portal window, calling it a source of stress for athletes still in competition and urging the D‑I Council to shorten or shift the period to after the season—mirroring other winter sports—so players can focus on the NCAA Tournament. The interview underscores Wisconsin’s momentum and the push for portal reforms.
Report: Wisconsin in negotiations with Colton Joseph for 2027 season
Wisconsin is already in talks to keep dual‑threat quarterback Colton Joseph for the 2027 season, according to On3’s Pete Nakos. Joseph, who arrived via the transfer portal, has posted 1,198 passing yards, 10 TDs, five picks and 333 rushing yards with four scores this year, but his 54.7% completion rate and inconsistent play, highlighted in a 17‑7 loss, have raised concerns. The Badgers also added freshman four‑star Ryan Hopkins, who appears set as Joseph’s backup, and transfer Deuce Adams. With other programs like Louisville, Nebraska and West Virginia renegotiating with their own transfer QBs, Wisconsin’s decision could shape the quarterback market’s next "musical chairs" cycle.
Fickell: Wisconsin sent in 17 to 19 plays on potential officiating mistakes
Wisconsin fell 17-7 to No. 12 UCLA, but head coach Luke Fickell spent Monday dissecting a slew of controversial calls that many believe swung the game. The Badgers endured 18 flags, including a questionable unsportsmanlike‑conduct penalty on quarterback Colton Joseph’s celebration and a disputed blind‑side block on Malachi Coleman that Fickell argues should not have been penalized. Fickell noted the team submitted far more plays for review than usual—about 17 to 19—highlighting inconsistencies in officiating and calling for clearer discipline standards across the league. The debate over these calls now dominates the post‑game narrative.
Can Wisconsin upset USC this weekend?
The Wisconsin Badgers travel to Camp Randall this weekend to face the USC Trojans after a 17-7 defeat by UCLA. Entering as 2.5‑point underdogs, the Badgers aim to rebound against an explosive USC offense that is 6-1 but has posted close, underwhelming wins (25-21 over Washington, 31-23 over Penn State, 42-35 over Rutgers). USC’s defense remains porous despite a new coordinator, and head coach Lincoln Riley faces scrutiny. Both teams need a win to stay on track for playoff hopes, prompting a fan poll on whether Wisconsin can pull off the upset.
Final takeaways from Wisconsin’s offensive struggles vs. UCLA: Jeff Grimes needs to figure a few things out
In a 17-7 loss to No. 12 UCLA, Wisconsin’s offense sputtered, highlighting two critical flaws that coach Jeff Grimes must address before upcoming games against USC and Iowa. The Badgers abandoned successful edge runs—jet sweeps and outside zones that previously yielded over 5.5 yards per carry—in favor of less effective interior attacks, dropping to just 3.6 yards per carry. Additionally, they failed to incorporate hot routes against UCLA’s aggressive blitzes, leaving quarterback Colton Joseph under pressure on 14 of 21 dropbacks and resulting in four sacks and a missed 45-yard field goal. The piece argues that fixing these schematic issues is essential for Wisconsin’s postseason hopes.
Everything Luke Fickell said ahead of USC game
Wisconsin head coach Luke Fickell reflects on the 17-7 loss to No. 12 UCLA and outlines his plan for Saturday’s 6:30 p.m. kickoff against No. 16 USC at Camp Randall. He stresses eliminating undisciplined play, cutting penalties, and finding offensive rhythm, while praising the team’s fourth‑quarter effort and versatility of players like starter Stylz Blackmon and edge rushers Tyreese Fearbry, Justus Boone, and Mike Garner. Fickell urges his Badgers to stay humble, learn from the defeat, and improve each week as they face a tougher conference opponent.
Should the Badgers be underdogs vs. USC?
After a 17-7 loss to No. 12 UCLA, the Wisconsin Badgers (4‑2) travel to face No. 16 USC (6‑1) on Sept. 24 at Camp Randall. Despite a shaky offensive showing against UCLA—Colton Joseph threw only 66 yards—the Badgers’ defense remains stout. USC, fresh off wins over Washington (25-21) and Penn State (31-23), averages 25‑30 points per game, but its defense is still a question under new coordinator Gary Patterson. Betting lines list USC as 2.5‑point favorites with a 50.5 total, suggesting a close, high‑scoring contest. A Badgers win would boost them to 5‑2 before a crucial Iowa matchup.
Where is Wisconsin ranked in Big Ten preseason poll?
The Big Ten preseason media poll released by the Columbus Dispatch places Wisconsin at No. 11, slipping from a seventh‑place finish last year and out of the AP Top 25. Illinois leads the poll (18 first‑place votes), followed by Michigan State and Michigan. The Badgers, who entered the previous season at No. 24 in the AP Top 25, have not received any votes this year, marking their lowest preseason ranking under coach Greg Gard since the 2022‑23 season when they fell to 11th and missed the NCAA tournament. With a fresh roster, Wisconsin aims to defy expectations in a talent‑laden conference.
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