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Wisconsin rebounded from a road loss at UCLA with a statement defensive showing, beating No. 16 USC 24-7 at home. The Badgers’ defense controlled the line of scrimmage and forced the Trojans into one of their poorest rushing performances in program history.
Defensive Line
The front four set the tone. Wisconsin limited USC’s rushing attack to just 40 yards on 20 carries, and after five sacks of quarterback Jayden Maiava were factored in, the Trojans finished with a net of -17 rushing yards — the second-lowest total in school history.
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The pass rush was a constant threat. Edge rusher Sebastian Cheeks logged 2.5 sacks and six pressures. Inside, defensive tackle Hammond Russell IV added a sack and two pressures, while Junior Poyser contributed two more pressures. Those plays repeatedly disrupted USC’s timing and limited explosive runs.
The only notable blemish was a face-mask penalty on Charles Perkins during USC’s lone scoring drive; the call drew debate over whether contact actually occurred. Otherwise, the line dominated possessions and collapsed running lanes all night.
Grade: A
Linebackers
Wisconsin’s second level matched the line’s intensity. Mason Posa was frequently in the backfield, finishing with five tackles (three solo) and 2.5 tackles for loss, including 1.5 sacks. He was a disruptive presence throughout the contest.
Cooper Catalano paced the team in tackles with 10 (seven solo) and added a tackle for loss. His coverage numbers showed seven catches for 62 yards on nine targets, but much of that came within Wisconsin’s soft-zone scheme. Catalano remained reliable as a run defender and tackler.
Depth played a smaller role Saturday; reserves Jon Jon Kamara and Aaron Witt saw only a snap apiece as Posa and Catalano stayed on the field most downs. Overall, the linebacking corps continued to be a consistent strength for the Badgers.
Grade: A
Defensive Backs
The secondary perhaps delivered the most important plays. With Marvin Burks Jr. exiting early with an upper-body injury, sophomore Cairo Skanes stepped into a larger role and intercepted Jayden Maiava in the first quarter. Skanes finished with four tackles (three solo), a pass breakup and a 74.9 PFF grade.
Safety Matt Jung paced the group with a team-high PFF mark of 81.1, recording six tackles (five solo) and three pass deflections while allowing just three receptions for 24 yards on eight targets. Jung’s recent improvement has been notable after earlier season struggles.
Cornerbacks also held up. Bryce West snared an interception after a Javan Robinson deflection and added five tackles (four solo) and a tackle for loss despite dealing with a shoulder stinger. Robinson himself broke up two passes and surrendered one catch on two targets, even while playing through an injury question mark.
Jai’mier Scott allowed six receptions on nine targets for 44 yards but contributed four tackles, a tackle for loss and a pass breakup; he was flagged for a face-mask penalty in the end zone on USC’s touchdown drive. Eric Fletcher Jr. provided reliable backup work when needed. Defensive coordinator Mike Tressel also mixed coverages more than in recent weeks, balancing soft-zone looks with other looks to keep USC’s talented pass catchers off balance.
Grade: A
Special Teams
Special teams swung momentum at a critical moment. Junior Poyser got a hand on Caden Chittenden’s 44-yard field-goal try in the third quarter, preserving a 17-7 advantage; Chittenden later missed a 58-yarder in the fourth.
Coverage units were strong. USC returner Boobie Feaster was tackled inside the 20 twice, once inside the 10. Sean West averaged 42.5 yards on two punts (85 total), and dangerous return man Trent Mosley was limited to just 10 return yards.
Kicker Gavin Lahm made a 33-yarder but missed a 51-yard attempt. That miss kept the unit from a perfect night, though long college attempts are often a challenge.
First-year special teams coordinator Bob Ligashesky has repeatedly had a tangible impact this season, and Saturday’s performance continued that trend. Strong coverage play and the blocked field-goal attempt were key contributions to the win.
