2015 Bowl Games: Picking all 41 college bowls and championship game against the spread

Nov 28, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Jordan Fredrick (9) holds the Paul Bunyan Axe after defeating the Minnesota Golden Gophers at TCF Bank Stadium. The Badgers won 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Holiday Bowl
USC vs. Wisconsin
San Diego | Qualcomm Stadium
Dec. 30, 10:30 p.m. on ESPN

Actually not a bad matchup in this bowl game. Both teams had some struggles early in the year and bounced back, and both of them lost their season finales (although USC’s was in a conference title game).

USC has a little more offensive firepower than the Badgers, but Wisconsin does have the best scoring defense in the nation, giving up only 13.1 points per game. The Trojans have had their issues getting going against defenses this good.

This will come down to a battle of wills, and the Badger defense has been really turning their will up a notch of late. Still…USC is no Minnesota, Maryland or Rutgers offensively, so it could be closer than some may think.

Line: USC, -3

Normally I’d say when all else fails, bet on defense. That will hold true here as well. Take the Badgers to beat any spread up to five.