Wisconsin CB Javan Robinson upgraded to probable for Saturday's game vs. USC

Wisconsin looks likely to have its best cover man on the field against one of the Big Ten's most dangerous passing teams. Fifth-year cornerback Javan Robinson moved to probable on the Big Ten availability report released Friday, Oct. 23, for Saturday's game against USC at Camp Randall Stadium, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported.

Robinson had been listed as questionable on the first two reports of the week. No reason was given, and his name showing up surprised people who follow the program. Badger Notes called him the Badgers' most consistent cornerback this season. The Journal Sentinel's Mark Stewart described the upgrade as "a step in the right direction," though not a full clean bill of health. The timing matters because the Trojans have the No. 2 passing offense in the Big Ten, led by quarterback Jayden Maiava.

The secondary is still short-handed. Cornerback Cai Bates is ruled out. Center Austin Kawecki, who missed last week's loss at UCLA with a hand injury, stays probable, and so does running back Darrion Dupree. Receiver Malachi Coleman and running back Nate Palmer are questionable. USC has more players ruled out. Receivers Terrell Anderson and Corey Simms, safety Kendarius Reddick, linebackers Taylor Johnson and Roman Marchetti and offensive lineman Killian O'Conner are all out. Tight end Mark Bowman, receiver Luc Weaver and defensive tackle Jide Abasiri are questionable. The last report comes out two hours before the 6:30 p.m. kickoff.

What it means for Saturday

Wisconsin (4-2) needs a good game from its secondary. The Badgers' two losses came against strong passing teams, 41-13 to Notre Dame and 17-7 at UCLA last week. Their best stretch came in between, when they won 24-20 at Penn State and allowed only 3 points to Michigan State. On offense they have scored 13 points or fewer in both losses. That leaves the defense little room for error against an opponent that keeps putting up points.

USC (6-1) has scored at least 39 points four times. Its only loss was 41-27 to Oregon, and it has since beaten Washington 25-21 and won 31-23 at Penn State. That Penn State result matches Wisconsin's own win in State College. Badger247 noted that the Trojans also come in rested after a bye week.

On this site's board, 11 venues have the game. USC is a modest road favorite at -135 on Novig, which has Wisconsin at +133. The best Wisconsin price anywhere is +135 at theScore Bet. Novig has the spread at USC -2.5 (-113) and Wisconsin +2.5 (+108). Elsewhere, BetMGM offers Wisconsin +3 at -115 and BetRivers has USC -2 at -124. Novig sets the total at 50.5, while Pinnacle has the lowest number at 49.5. Sportsbook hold across the venues runs from 3.0% to 6.8% on the moneyline, so the gap between the cheapest and most expensive venue is significant.

Those prices may not have caught up with Robinson's upgrade. If he plays close to full strength, Wisconsin keeps its top cornerback against Maiava's receivers.