Game Information
Location: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum / Los Angeles, CA
Time: 1:00 p.m PST
TV: FOX
Radio: ESPN 710 (Los Angeles), KSZL AM 1230 (Barstow, Calif.), KGU-FM 95.1/ AM 760 (Honolulu, Hawaii), KSHP AM 1400 / FM 107.1 (Las Vegas, Nev.), KJJZ-HD3 102.7 FM (Thousand Palms, Calif.)
Line / Total: USC -9.5 / u50.5
Injuries
USC: QUESTIONABLE: CB Jacobe Covington (undisclosed), S Kamari Ramsey (undisclosed)
Nebraska: PROBABLE: QB Dylan Raiola (back)
Stats to Know
USC has a 4-0-1 record versus Nebraska
Jayden Maiava will be the first Polynesian starting quarterback in USC’s history
USC football throwbacks are here! The Trojans will wear their 1972 alternative classics, originated by John McKay, for their homecoming game versus Nebraska on Saturday. Photo/@uscfb pic.twitter.com/xGlEbNaApn
— Jude Ocañas (@judocanas) November 12, 2024
What's at Stake: Bowl games, bowl games, and bowl games.
When Lincoln Riley took the job in 2021, the expectation was that USC would fight for a college playoff spot every season. In the last two years, wins have come at a premium, and a chance at the national championship has only been a dream, not a reality.
Nebraska entered the 2024 season with their prized jewel, five-star quarterback Dylan Raiola, at the helm. Coach Matt Rhule and Raiola's combination garnered national attention for what the duo could do.
Yet, for both programs, expectations and reality have not aligned. USC (4-5, 2-4 Big Ten) and Nebraska (5-4,2-4) stand outside looking in. The Trojans have dropped four of their last five, and the Cornhuskers have lost three straight.
USC needs two wins, and Nebraska needs one with three games remaining to participate in a bowl game. It is far-fetched to think either team will compete in a meaningful bowl game. However, finishing the season strong is what USC and Nebraska can do.
The impact of finishing on a high note goes beyond just this season. In the last two days, USC has lost two recruits in their 2025 class. Hayden Lowe, a four-star edge rusher, flipped to Miami, and four-star cornerback Shamar Arnoux switched to Aurbun.
Showing grit and reliance in tough times can be the answer to keeping future recruits and current players believing in the foundation being built.
Nebraska Cornhuskers Scouting Report: Let It Fly
The Cornhuskers have been fearless in throwing their freshman quarterback, Dylan Raiola, in the fire. Raiola was quickly given the keys to Rhule’s offense, leading the team as a 19-year-old.
The combination of Raiola’s arm power and off-script playmaking has led to comparisons to Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. In the offseason, the two players trained with legendary quarterback trainer Jeff Christensen.
In nine starts, Raiola has thrown for 1,921 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions. Nebraska's offense ranks 13th in the Big Ten in total yards and ninth in passing.
However, Raiola has had early road bumps in his first season. The Cornhuskers have struggled in Big Ten play after a 3-0 start to the season. In the last four games, Raiola has thrown one touchdown to six interceptions.
The run game's inconsistency has pressured Riola to create most of the Cornhuskers' success. Raiola’s 272 passing attempts rank 7th in the Big Ten, and he completes 64 percent of his passes.
Promoting Dana Holgorsen as the Cornhusker's offensive coordinator puts more trust in Raiola's passing ability.
In 2022, as Houston’s head coach, the Cougars' 361 passing yards per game ranked 2nd in the AAC. Quarterback Clayton Tune led the conference in passing yards (4070) and touchdowns (40).
Matchup to Watch: Jayden Maiava vs Nebraska Secondary
Maiava gets his first career start for the Trojans on Saturday. The gunslinger, who transferred from UNLV earlier this year, is expected to bring a new element to the USC offense.
He possesses a cannon of an arm with effortless throwing power. In 2023, Maiava had nine passes for 60 yards or more. His deep ball ability poses a threat to a Nebraska Secondary.
The deep ball has been a weak point in the Cornhuskers secondary, allowing 7.2 yards per attempt. The plethora of USC receivers Maiava has can create night mismatches across the board.
Prediction
Maiava’s performance on Saturday will be a big indicator of how the Trojans perform. His effortless arm power should increase the explosive plays USC’s offense can generate. On the other hand, Nebraska’s season has turned dull, with both sides of the ball struggling to produce.
USC 24 Nebraska 20