# Wisconsin Badgers Narrow Home Underdogs

> Wisconsin opens as 2.5-point home underdog against No. 16 USC.
- Title: Wisconsin Badgers Narrow Home Underdogs | Shortify
- Summary: Wisconsin opens as 2.5-point home underdog against No. 16 USC. Wisconsin is a 2.5-point home underdog against No. 16 USC in a game expected to stay close.
- Keywords: wisconsin badgers, usc, nfl, football, college football, pass defense, third down, sports, Wisconsin, Badgers, Narrow, Home
- Source: Wisconsin Badgers On SI — https://si.com/college/wisconsin/football/wisconsin-football-is-surprisingly-narrow-home-underdogs-vs-16-usc
- Published: 2026-10-20T17:20:35+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: wisconsin badgers, usc, nfl, football, college football, pass defense, third down, sports
## Wisconsin's Road Loss
Wisconsin played its ugliest game all year in a road loss at UCLA.
## Offensive Struggles
Badgers couldn't get anything going on offense and struggled on third down.
## Penalty Issues
Badgers faced a smattering of mind-numbing penalties.
## Pass Defense Weakness
Badgers' pass defense was porous against UCLA's backup quarterback.
## UCLA's Performance
UCLA's Ty Dieffenbach tossed for 264 yards and one interception on 67% completion.
## USC's Strength
USC's Jayden Maiava has thrown for 2,045 yards, 18 touchdowns and three interceptions.
## Narrow Spread
Wisconsin opens as a 2.5-point home underdog against No. 16 USC.
## Key takeaway

Wisconsin is a 2.5-point home underdog against No. 16 USC in a game expected to stay close.