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Holiday Bowl 2015, USC vs Wisconsin preview, predictions, odds and live stream info

By Charles Rahrig V

Nov 21, 2015; Eugene, OR, USA; USC Trojans quarterback Cody Kessler (6) hand the ball off to USC Trojans running back Justin Davis (22) against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2015; Eugene, OR, USA; USC Trojans quarterback Cody Kessler (6) hand the ball off to USC Trojans running back Justin Davis (22) against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports /
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USC Trojans vs. No. 23 Wisconsin Badgers

The USC Trojans and Wisconsin Badges will meet in a battle of upper echelon Pac-12 and Big-10 teams on Wednesday, in San Diego. The two teams will battle for the right to be the 2015 Holiday Bowl winners and on paper, the game looks like a good one.

USC comes into the game playing in senior quarterback Cody Kessler’s final college game before he heads to the NFL draft. With an exciting offense and the ability for big plays, all eyes will be on USC’s offense against Wisconsin. The Badgers meanwhile, are coming into the game looking to win their second consecutive double-digit-win season.

Details for Wednesday’s game are below.

Date: Wednesday, December 30

Time: 10:30 p.m. ET

Location: San Diego, CA

Stadium: Qualcomm Stadium

TV Info: ESPN

Live Stream: WatchESPN App

Keys to Victory

On offense, USC is going to have to find their talented running back, Ronald Jones. If Jones can bust some big plays on the ground for the Trojans, it will allow the passing game to open up for quarterback Cody Kessler. The Trojans’ offense begins with the running backs and that’s where it has to start on Saturday night.

Defensively, Wisconsin has to stop the running game and put pressure on Kessler. Kessler likes to check down to his running backs when nothing is open out on the field, which means if the edge defenders can peel off and shut down the running backs, Kessler is going to have a hard time on Wednesday night.

Another big key will be stopping Adoree’ Jackson. When the USC return man gets his hands on the ball, he usually busts a big play, which allows USC to score points and put teams away. Wisconsin’s special teams play will have to be superb on Wednesday night.

Wisconsin boasts one of the best rush defenses in the country and have faced plenty of good running teams. If they impose their will and shut off the run, then they will win the Holiday Bowl.

Betting Odds

Point Spread: USC -3.5

Moneyline: USC -100

O/U: 50.5

Prediction

The USC Trojans are meeting a team that will provide them their biggest challenge against the run in Wisconsin. That means that the Trojans are going to have to respond with a big game through the air. That’s where USC receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster is going to feast. He will bust some big plays and USC will the Holiday Bowl for the second year in a row.

Pick: USC Trojans 31 Wisconsin Badgers 24

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