USC vs. Wisconsin score, takeaways: Trojans use second-half rally to race past Badgers for first Big Ten win

Down 21-10 at the break, the Trojans used a shutout defense effort in the second half to fuel a win

LOS ANGELES -- No. 13 USC overcame an 11-point halftime deficit, shutting out Wisconsin in the second half as part of a 38-21 win that was the Trojans' first in the Big Ten. It was a complete team effort for USC, which forced a special teams turnover and came through defensively with a turnover on downs late in the third quarter. The Trojans flipped the score with 14 third-quarter points and never looked back.

USC star quarterback Miller Moss recorded his third career 300-yard game passing and accounted for four touchdowns. Wide receiver Ja'Kobi Lane had a career day, posting highs in catches (10), yards (105) and touchdowns (two).

Wisconsin forced three first-half turnovers and looked in control before USC made second-half adjustments — highlighted by linebacker Mason Cobb returning an interception 55 yards the other way for a touchdown to extend the lead to 17. The Trojans outscored the Badgers 28-0 in the final 30 minutes of play.

CBS Sports was with here you throughout the day with updates, highlights and analysis. Read on below for takeaways from the game. 

[Sep 28, 2024 at 7:15 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

USC's College Football Playoff outlook

The inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff may be over three months away, but it's never too early to look ahead. USC's showing against Michigan dropped them two spots in the AP Top 25 poll but this dominant second half showing should help them rise. USC's upcoming schedule includes matchups on the road against Minnesota and a home game against Penn State in two weeks. That game against the Nittany Lions could serve as a major résumé booster for both programs. The bottom line is USC needed to avoid a 0-2 start in conference play to have a chance at a potential berth in the Big Ten title game and the CFP. What USC showed on both sides of the football in the second half is encouraging for a tough slate ahead.

[Sep 28, 2024 at 7:10 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

Young USC wide receivers step up

USC's young wide receiver room had a day to remember on Saturday, highlighted by the standout performance from Lane. The former four-star wide receiver posted career highs in catches (10), yards (105) and touchdowns (two) and was Moss' go-to target in the second half. Lane is one of many inexperienced receivers in USC's WR room, but it appears he's ready to make a jump. Another one of those young stars is Duce Robinson, who played sparingly as a true freshman last season. Robinson hauled in a pass near the sidelines to pick up 32 yards, and his 8-yard touchdown with 1:28 left in the third quarter served as the go-ahead score. Branch, who had a costly fumble in the first half on special teams, finished with four grabs for 44 yards. USC has the potential to have one of the top offenses in the country and it starts with the wide receiver corps taking their game to another level. If today was any indication, the Trojans are in business.

[Sep 28, 2024 at 7:08 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

USC secures comeback win

FINAL: No. 13 USC 38, Wisconsin 21

No. 13 USC overcame a 10-point halftime deficit to defeat Wisconsin 38-21 in its first Big Ten conference win as a program. The Trojans forced a turnover on special teams and a turnover on downs late in the third quarter to swing the momentum back in their favor for good and never looked back.

USC star quarterback Miller Moss recorded his third career 300-yard passing game and accounted for four touchdowns and wide receiver Ja'Kobi Lane had a career day, posting career highs in catches (10), yards (105) and touchdowns (two).

Wisconsin forced three first half turnovers and looked in control before USC made second half adjustments — highlighted by linebacker Mason Cobb returning an interception 55 yards the other way for a touchdown to extend the lead to 17. The Trojans outscored the Badgers 28-0 in the final 30 minutes of play.

[Sep 28, 2024 at 6:53 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

USC's defense calls game

Late 4Q: No. 13 USC 38, Wisconsin 21

That might be the dagger. USC LB Mason Cobb picked off Locke and returned it 55 yards the other way for a touchdown. USC is now fully control with 5:04 left to play.

[Sep 28, 2024 at 6:47 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

Moss out, Jayden Maiava in

Per the CBS broadcast, Moss is being evaluated for a concussion. Moss just checked back into the game. UNLV transfer Jayden Maiava came in for a few plays while Moss was out. USC will punt after going three-and-out.

[Sep 28, 2024 at 6:45 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

Wisconsin punts, again

MID 4Q: No. 13 USC 31, Wisconsin 21

The USC defense has held Wisconsin scoreless in the second half. The Badgers were forced to punt for the third time this half after the Trojans got another stop on defense. The adjustments USC DC D'Anton Lynn has made in the second half have been the difference. 

[Sep 28, 2024 at 6:33 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

Miller Time in L.A.

EARLY 4Q: No. 13 USC 34, Wisconsin 21

Riley rolled the dice and elected to go for it on fourth-and-1, and it paid off. Moss kept the ball on the read option, juked a defender, and extended the ball beyond the plane to put USC up two possessions with 8:22 left. That's Moss' fourth total touchdown of the day.

[Sep 28, 2024 at 6:19 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

Another stop for USC

END 3Q: No. 13 USC 24, Wisconsin 21

USC will head into the fourth quarter with all the momentum after forcing another three-and-out. Ramsey delivered a hard hit, which forced an incompletion and a punt to open the fourth quarter. USC outscored Wisconsin 14-0 in the third quarter.

[Sep 28, 2024 at 6:12 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

Moss, Robinson put USC in front

LATE 3Q: No. 13 USC 24, Wisconsin 21

On third-and-7, Riley dialed up a deep shot to Duce Robinson, and the 6-foot-6 wide receiver came down with it for a 32-yard gain to move the sticks. Three plays later, Moss looked for Robinson again in the end zone for an eight-yard touchdown to retake the lead for the first time since the first quarter.

[Sep 28, 2024 at 6:01 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

Momentum swing?

MID 3Q: Wisconsin 21, No. 13 USC 17

Could that be the spark USC needs to get back into this game for good? Wisconsin went for it on fourth-and-1 at USC's 32-yard line and got stuffed for no gain. USC safety Kamari Ramsey was in there to force the turnover on downs.

[Sep 28, 2024 at 5:48 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

Lane's big day continues 

Early 3Q: Wisconsin 21, No. 13 USC 17

The breakout performance for Lane continues. Moss connected with Lane for a six-yard touchdown for USC's first points of the second half. Lane has a career-high in catches (nine), yards (108) and touchdowns (two). The former four-star prospect is helping USC get back into this one.

[Sep 28, 2024 at 5:41 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

USC catches a break

Early 3Q: Wisconsin 21, No. 13 USC 10 

After Wisconsin forced a punt on USC's first offensive possession of the second half, the Trojans caught a break with help from their special teams unit. USC recovered a muffed punt and will take over at Wisconsin's 30-yard line.

[Sep 28, 2024 at 5:35 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

USC forces punt to start second half

Early 3Q: Wisconsin 21, No. 13 USC 10 

Good start for the USC defense to open the third quarter, as the Trojans forced a three-and-out. On third-and-17, USC forced an incompletion and will get the ball for its first possession of the second half.

[Sep 28, 2024 at 5:30 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

Second half underway 

Wisconsin will get the ball to start the second half.

[Sep 28, 2024 at 5:15 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

Halftime takeaway: Turnovers the difference

The difference in this game through the first 30 minutes has been turnovers. The fumble on special teams set up a one-play touchdown and the last turnover of the half for the Trojans — an interception by Moss — potentially took points off the board. The three turnovers is a season-high for USC, and it will be something that must be cleaned up in the second half if they want to stay off upset alert. USC has lost its last three conference home games (Utah, Washington and UCLA.)

[Sep 28, 2024 at 5:09 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

No. 13 USC on upset alert

HALF: Wisconsin 21, No. 13 USC 10 

We have reached halftime from Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, where No. 13 USC is on upset alert against Wisconsin. The Badgers forced three turnovers in the first half and will head to the locker room with a 21-10 advantage.

Starting in his first game in place of Wisconsin starting quarterback Tyler Van Dyke, Braedyn Locke has been efficient. The Wisconsin signal-caller is 6 of 12 for 130 yards and a touchdown. Wisconsin running back Tawee Walker rushed for two touchdowns before the intermission. 

USC put up 264 yards of total offense in the first 30 minutes, but the turnovers — including Zachariah Branch's fumble on a punt return, which set up a one-play touchdown for Wisconsin — have been the difference. The Badgers will get the ball to start the second half.

[Sep 28, 2024 at 5:05 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

Wisconsin can't take advantage of turnover

LATE 2Q: Wisconsin 21, USC 10

Wisconsin will be forced to punt with 1:16 remaining in the first half after the USC defense forced a stop. The Badgers weren't able to take advantage of the turnover. USC has one timeout and a little over a minute to work with to put points up.

[Sep 28, 2024 at 4:56 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

Another turnover for USC

LATE 2Q: Wisconsin 21, USC 10

Another promising drive for USC stalled out this time because of a turnover. Wisconsin edge Leon Lowery forced the fumble and Ben Barten recovered. USC now has three turnovers in the first half, which is the most they have had in a game this season. Despite having 232 yards of total offense, USC trails by 11.

[Sep 28, 2024 at 4:49 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

Wisconsin gets back on the board

MID 2Q: Wisconsin 21, USC 10

What a drive by Wisconsin. A 35-yard pass from Locke to Bryson Greene moved the ball into USC territory and four plays later, Walker walked into the end zone for his second touchdown. Wisconsin is averaging 6.3 yards per carry (on nine attempts), while Locke is 6 of 10 for 130 yards and a touchdown.

[Sep 28, 2024 at 4:42 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

USC puts points on the board

EARLY 2Q: Wisconsin 14, USC 10

USC lined up to go for it on fourth-and-1, but a false start penalty forced a field goal attempt. USC kicker Michael Lantz drilled a 41-yard field goal to cap an eight-play, 41-yard drive after a fumble on special teams led to a one-play touchdown for Wisconsin.

[Sep 28, 2024 at 4:26 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

Wisconsin takes advantage of USC's mistake

EARLY 2Q: Wisconsin 14, USC 7

On the first play of the second quarter, Branch fumbled the punt return after the football hit off his ankle, and Wisconsin capitalized. Tawee Walker scored on an 18-yard rush down the sideline to give the Badgers their first lead. USC already has two turnovers in the first 16 minutes of game action.

[Sep 28, 2024 at 4:22 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

USC, Wisconsin tied after first quarter 

END 1Q: No. 13 USC 7, Wisconsin 7

The first 15 minutes of action from Los Angeles are in the books. After Wisconsin and USC traded long touchdown passes on their first offensive drives of the game, both offenses have stalled out. Moss took a shot to Branch on second down, but his pass was intercepted by Preston Zachman. Wisconsin will punt to start the second quarter.

[Sep 28, 2024 at 4:19 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

Wisconsin forces takeaway

LATE 1Q: No. 13 USC 7, Wisconsin 7

We have our first takeaway of the day. Moss attempted a deep pass to Branch that was intercepted by Wisconsin DB Preston Zachman. Wisconsin will take over at its own 25-yard line,

[Sep 28, 2024 at 4:09 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

USC, Wisconsin trade punts

MID 1Q: No. 13 USC 7, Wisconsin 7

After picking up a first down on its first offensive play of the drive, Wisconsin's offense stalled out. Locke targeted Anthony on third-and-7, but the pass was dropped. Wisconsin punter Atticus Bertams had a booming punt that rolled down to the USC 1-yard line.

[Sep 28, 2024 at 4:02 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

Wisconsin gets the stop

MID 1Q: No. 13 USC 7, Wisconsin 7

USC is getting Zachariah Branch involved early. Moss targeted the USC star receiver on third down and he picked up 16 yards to move the chains. Moss tried to target Jay Fair on third down over the middle, but the pass was dropped. The Trojans will punt for the first time.

A positive development early for USC is how the OL is playing. That unit struggled last week vs. Michigan, but they have given Moss a clean pocket thus far.

[Sep 28, 2024 at 3:54 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

Wisconsin answers with longest play of its season

Early 1Q: No. 13 USC 7, Wisconsin 7

What a response by Wisconsin for its longest offensive play of the season. Braedyn Locke targeted Vinny Anthony down the sidelines, and Anthony did the rest. That 63-yard pitch-and-catch gets the Badgers on the board and ties the game. There's been 130 yards of offense in the first four minutes.

[Sep 28, 2024 at 3:47 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

USC on the board first

Early 1Q: No. 13 USC 7, Wisconsin 0

USC got the ball with favorable field position after Wisconsin committed a face mask penalty on the opening kick. The Trojans picked up a quick first down on a pitch-and-catch from Miller Moss to Ja'Kobi Lane and went for it on fourth-and-1 and converted to keep the chains moving. Moss took a shot deep down the sideline and Lane came down with it for a 32-yard touchdown. 

USC's opening drive: 6 plays, 75 yards. Good start for the Trojans.

[Sep 28, 2024 at 3:39 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

We are almost underway

Wisconsin wins the toss and will defer to the second half. USC will get the football first.

[Sep 28, 2024 at 3:20 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

Why isn't USC star DT Bear Alexander playing?

Earlier this week, 247Sports reported that Alexander was planning on redshirting the remainder of the 2024 season. Alexander has played sparingly this season as a rotational defensive lineman and logged 21 of USC's 58 defensive snaps in a 27-24 loss to Michigan last weekend. When asked about the report on Thursday, USC coach Lincoln Riley didn't answer questions around the subject. With Alexander out, USC will rely on Gavin Meyer, Nate Clifton, Kobe Pepe and Devan Thompkins.

[Sep 28, 2024 at 3:10 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

USC vs. Wisconsin prediction, pick 

Wisconsin is off to a shaky start to the 2024 season, highlighted by two lackluster performances in the first two weeks against Western Michigan and South Dakota. Locke is 1-2 in his career as a starter, and this is a great opportunity for the USC defense to get a bounceback performance after a lackluster showing on that side of the ball against Michigan. Moss has looked like a Heisman dark horse through the first month of the season, and a strong performance would get him right back in the conversation. Pick: USC -15.5