Badgers news: 3 players who stood out in 38-21 loss to USC

Despite a 21-10 halftime lead, the Wisconsin Badgers lost 38-21 to the USC Trojans at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. This was a disheartening loss given the Badgers’ admirable first-half performance. Football is a four-quarter game, and the Badgers couldn’t keep up with the Trojans in the second half.

Still, there were some positive aspects to this Badgers game. Freshman running back Darrion Dupree received an immediate transfer in the first quarter, showing how much confidence the coaching staff has in the young freshman from Mount Carmel High School in Chicago.

Here are three standout players from the Badgers’ 38-21 loss.

Braedyn Locke

While the pick-six in the fourth quarter was discouraging, Locke’s work in this game was admirable. This game showed that he can lead the Badgers’ offense throughout the season.

Locke finished the game 13 of 26 for 180 yards, including deep passes to Vinny Anthony for a touchdown and Bryson Green for a 35-yard gain that led to another Badgers touchdown.

Tawee Walker

Walker was crucial in keeping the Badgers in this game. The transfer from Oklahoma scored two touchdowns in the first half, building a double-digit lead by halftime. Walker finished that game with 12 carries for 55 yards.

He should be the No. 1 running back with the ball in the future.

Atticus Bertrams

The Badgers have a weapon in their sights this season in Atticus Bertrams. His first punt traveled 74 yards and pinned the Trojans deep in territory at their one-yard line.

Later in the game, a Bertrams punt was blocked by Zachariah Branch, giving the Badgers prime field position in the first half.