USC is headed back to the Holiday Bowl to face No. 23-ranked Wisconsin on Dec. 30 at 7:30 p.m. The Trojans (8-5) were a surprise choice because they played in last year’s Holiday Bowl against Nebraska.
But the Holiday Bowl probably did not mind taking USC because the Badgers will bring plenty of fans and USC is a popular team on TV. USC is 6-0 against the Badgers but the teams have not played since 1966. Wisconsin (9-3) lost to teams currently ranked in the top 12: No. 2 Alabama, No. 6 Iowa and No. 12 Northwestern.
“We are thrilled to be able to go back to the Holiday Bowl and play an outstanding Big Ten team like Wisconsin,’’ USC coach Clay Helton said.