USC’s Ohio State Upset Could Help Wisconsin’s Case
USC beat No. 2 Ohio State 30-18 on October 31, a result that could strengthen Wisconsin coach Luke Fickell’s resume despite the Badgers’ 30-0 loss to Iowa.
Wisconsin’s brief return to the AP Top 25 ended after a shutout defeat at Iowa. The Badgers had reached No. 25 following their upset of then-No. 16 USC, but they have since fallen out of the poll and are no longer receiving votes.
USC then delivered a result that may still benefit Wisconsin: on October 31, the Trojans defeated No. 2 Ohio State, 30-18. The victory moved USC, now 7-2 overall and 4-2 in Big Ten play, to No. 18 in the AP poll. If the Trojans reach the College Football Playoff, Wisconsin’s win over them could become a stronger point in Fickell’s favor.
Fickell took over a team that went 4-8 last season. Wisconsin began this year 5-2, and a nine-win finish remains possible if it wins its remaining games. The Badgers have upcoming matchups with Rutgers, Maryland and Purdue before facing Minnesota for the Paul Bunyan’s Axe. Those three opponents are among the Big Ten’s bottom five, but the Iowa loss renewed questions about whether Wisconsin has made progress on the field.
An 8-4 season that includes losses to both major rivals could leave Fickell’s position uncertain, even with twice last year’s win total. A victory over a playoff-bound USC team could help offset that outcome. Wisconsin’s November results will shape the case facing new athletic director Shawn Eichorst.