# USC Trojans Prepare for Physical Challenge vs. Wisconsin

> USC safety Alex Graham says Trojans must step up run defense against Wisconsin's physical run game.
- Title: USC Trojans Prepare for Physical Challenge vs. Wisconsin
- Summary: USC safety Alex Graham says Trojans must step up run defense against Wisconsin's physical run game. USC safety Alex Graham emphasizes the need for improved…
- Keywords: uscsafety, wisconsinbadgers, rundefense, coltonjoseph, abusama, darriondupree, camp randall, crowdnoise, jumparound, wisconsingame, usctrojans, byeweek
- Source: USC Trojans On SI — https://si.com/college/usc/football/safety-alex-graham-identifies-area-usc-trojans-needs-play-physical-wisconsin-badgers
- Published: 2026-10-22T02:30:18+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: uscsafety, wisconsinbadgers, rundefense, coltonjoseph, abusama, darriondupree, camp randall, crowdnoise, jumparound, wisconsingame, usctrojans, byeweek
## USC Trojans Back on Road
After their Week 7 bye, the No. 16 USC Trojans will face Wisconsin Badgers on Oct. 24.
## Stopping Wisconsin’s Run Game
Wisconsin runs 53.43% of plays (No. 57 in nation) with 32.8 rushes per game.
## Wisconsin Run Game Stats
Wisconsin averages 4.1 yards per carry (No. 76) and 136 yards per game (No. 84).
## Wisconsin Runters
Colton Joseph leads with 69 carries for 333 yards and four touchdowns.
## Wisconsin Runters
Abu Sama III has 224 yards off 34 touches; Darrion Dupree has 215 yards on 49 carries.
## Alex Graham on Team Focus
Graham says the secondary must step up in run support to help front seven.
## Alex Graham on Crowd Noise
Trojans use crowd noise simulator to prepare for White Out crowd at Camp Randall.
## Alex Graham on Song
House of Pain’s 'Jump Around' blares at practice; Graham enjoys jumping on sideline.
## Alex Graham on Song
Graham says he won't get tired of House of Pain’s 'Jump Around' by week's end.
## Wisconsin Game Importance
Graham calls Wisconsin game the next step in Trojans' schedule.
## Next Game
Trojans face No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes in Week 9 (Oct. 31).
## Quarterback Injury
Starting quarterback Julian Sayin injured; Graham says Trojans take it one week at a time.
## Recovery During Bye Week
Graham focused on recovery and film study during USC's bye week.
## Graham's Stats
Graham has 15 tackles (8 on defense), 3 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 1 quarterback hurry.
## Key takeaway

USC safety Alex Graham emphasizes the need for improved run support against Wisconsin's high-volume run offense.