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ESPN’s FPI predicts the outcome of Wisconsin vs. USC in Week 5
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ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI) predicts the outcome of every college football game each week.
With Week 4 in the books, the model has released its predictions for the Week 5 slate. Included in the Week 5 predictions is the B1G matchup between Wisconsin and USC.
The FPI sees USC as a big favorite over Wisconsin, giving the Trojans an 87.9% chance to win the game. This means the Badgers have just a 12.1% chance to get back in the win column.
These teams have only played 7 times in history, with the Trojans winning 6 of those and the Badgers winning 1. That lone Badger win came the last time these teams met, back in 2015 in the National Funding Holiday Bowl.
Both of these teams enter Week 5 needing a win. The Trojans lost a hard-fought game to Michigan in Week 4, while the Badgers had a bye week after getting blown out by Alabama at home in Week 3.
The Trojans and Badgers are both 2-1, with the Trojans being 0-1 in B1G play and the Badgers not yet playing a conference game.
The Badgers have been hampered by an offense that ranks No. 96 in the country in yards per game. The team has the No. 104 passing attack, and that may not improve any time soon as starting QB Tyler Van Dyke will reportedly miss the rest of the season.
For USC, this game may present an opportunity for the defense to get back on track. The Trojan defense has been much better in 2024, but the unit was gashed on the ground by Michigan in Week 4.
The Badgers and Trojans will kick off from Los Angeles on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET (12:30 pm PT).
Bryce Lazenby covers college football for Saturday Tradition. A Nashville native, his previous stops include FanSided, Dimers, and The Leaf-Chronicle.