# USC Trojans Face Wisconsin in Critical Playoff Push

> USC Trojans battle road challenges to keep College Football Playoff hopes alive.
- Title: USC Trojans Face Wisconsin in Critical Playoff Push | Shortify
- Summary: USC Trojans battle road challenges to keep College Football Playoff hopes alive. USC Trojans, 6-1, aim to secure College Football Playoff spot after…
- Keywords: usc trojans, wisconsin badgers, college football playoff, lincoln riley, big ten, college football, nfl, college sports, football, college football season, sports, USC
- Source: USC Trojans On SI — https://si.com/college/usc/football/one-question-im-asking-usc-trojans-wisconsin-badgers
- Published: 2026-10-22T18:30:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: usc trojans, wisconsin badgers, college football playoff, lincoln riley, big ten, college football, nfl, college sports, football, college football season, sports
## USC Wins After Oregon Loss
USC won two games after a disappointing loss to Oregon on Sept. 26.
## Third-Quarter Crisis
USC fell behind Washington 21-10 in third quarter on Oct. 3.
## Fans Demand Change
Fans inside the Coliseum called for coach Lincoln Riley’s job.
## USC Rally Success
USC scored 14 unanswered points to overcome Washington.
## Penn State Victory
USC defeated Penn State 31-23 in front of 114,419 fans.
## Road Game Strength
USC played their best game away from home since joining Big Ten in 2024.
## Playoff Hopes
USC is 6-1 with College Football Playoff hopes still alive.
## Injury Report Update
Left tackle Elijah Paige is off injury report ahead of Wisconsin game.
## Left Guard Status
Starting left guard Hayden Treter is off injury report.
## Questionable Players
Tight end Mark Bowman and defensive lineman Jide Abasiri are questionable.
## Wisconsin Game
USC faces Wisconsin on Oct. 24 in Camp Randall.
## Road Challenge
USC must avoid stumbling against Wisconsin in tough road environment.
## Key takeaway

USC Trojans, 6-1, aim to secure College Football Playoff spot after overcoming adversity against Wisconsin.