Prediction, Game Preview, and Betting Lines for Nebraska vs. USC

If you played this game in the 1970s or 1980s, it would stop all of college sports in their tracks. They have not been as strong as they should have been, and one of them is in a lot of trouble.

Nebraska has reached its limit. It was 5-1, everything was fine, and they could still be in the running for the Big Ten title. The team first lost, and the bowl game was just an afterthought. If they lose this, they will need to beat Wisconsin or Iowa for their sixth win.

Because it can not close AT ALL, USC has lost four of its last five games. USC is more like 8-3 than 3-6 because all five of its losses were by seven points or less. But with games left against UCLA and Notre Dame, this is a must-win just to get to a bowl.

Nebraska vs USC: How to Watch and Game Preview

Date: Saturday, November 16, 2024
Game Time: 4:00 pm ET
How to Watch: FOX
Venue: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, CA
Teams: USC (4-5), Nebraska (5-4)

Why Nebraska Will Win

The offensive left turn is coming up now. The attack has been too dull and lacks enough spark, so new offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen was hired to spice it up.

The pass rush for USC is not strong enough to be a problem. Even though the OC has changed, Dylan Raiola will not start bombing away deep right away. Instead, he will start pushing things a bit more because he has the time. Being able to play also helps.

Though it is not clear after getting hit, everything is set for what should be a firefight. The Huskers want that; they know how to run the clock and the game well enough to be in charge late, but

Why USC Will Win

The Nebraska offense has been terrible, the defense has been great, but it has not been enough, and the team has lost three straight games, which has made things very, very tight.

There have not been any bowl games for the team since 2016, rumors are flying that other teams are scouting Raiola, and after a period of optimism, the pressure has been turned up to a whole new level.

Plus, USC might finally have the right quarterback.

The team had trouble, but Miller Moss was not to blame. However, Jayden Maiava, a former star at UNLV, has been waiting in the wings and now has his chance.

Maiava threw too many interceptions for the Rebels last year, but he also ran well enough to make a difference and threw for over 3,000 yards and 17 touchdowns.

Nebraska vs USC: Who Will Win?

This is the issue.

Changing quarterbacks at USC does not make the defense better. Changing offensive coordinators will not help Nebraska’s overall lack of talent.

There may not be two more tense teams than the ones that are playing each other, and not in a good way. Both teams will push way too hard.

Raiola will go off, and this offense will really start to work. The Huskers will get a few turnovers to make the second half interesting, but the Trojan offense will be a bit stronger in the end.