USC football fans have been thinking about the Ohio State and Indiana games for a very long time. However, the actual football team and coaching staff have to play and prepare for Wisconsin. This is a classic look-ahead game. The Trojans can't get caught looking ahead to the Buckeyes. They have to deal with the Badgers first.

This is a must-win for Lincoln Riley with the brutal schedule ahead. USC will have a tough time beating Ohio State, Indiana and UCLA. The Trojans have to finish 10-2 to make the playoff and convince everyone they are back where they belong in the college football world. Until they do that, they are an unproven team and a failed program. Beating Wisconsin is absolutely necessary to save Lincoln Riley's job. A loss here means USC could easily finish 8-4, which is nowhere near good enough for the program, the administration, and most of all, the fans. A loss here would have the pitchforks out for Riley. He would go into the Ohio State-Indiana gauntlet in huge trouble, and the roof could cave in on him. A loss to Wisconsin is an absolute and unmitigated disaster for the Trojans.

USC's main advantage is at quarterback. Maiava versus Colton Joseph is a mismatch. UCLA absolutely smothered Joseph and the rest of the Wisconsin offense. Maiava plays for Lincoln Riley, one of the best quarterback coaches in modern times, and has been above average on a consistent basis this season, the Washington game being the one primary exception. This is where USC has to create separation from Wisconsin. Maiava playing up to his standard or even close to it will give USC the clear upper hand. Wisconsin will need Maiava to have an off night in order to pull the upset.

The bottom line is that as long as USC is attentive, focused and hungry, it should all work out for the Trojans. Looking ahead to Ohio State, however, is exactly how they can get ambushed by Wisconsin.