BLAIR, NEBRASKA (2024 November 16, Saturday)
Don Harrold, Writer / Editor
blairtoday@mail.com – Facebook
Two months ago, this matchup looked like a potential Big Ten showdown. Now, Nebraska (5-4) heads to Los Angeles desperately seeking its first bowl berth since 2016, while USC (4-5) tries to avoid its fifth loss in six games.
“I have liked Nebraska’s chances in this game since the start of the season – I still am curious why USC has always been assumed to be a heavy favorite in the contest,” says HuskerMax analyst Austin Jacobsen.
The bye week brought significant changes for both programs. Nebraska elevated Dana Holgorsen to offensive coordinator, while USC benched quarterback Miller Moss in favor of Jayden Maiava. “Both teams made some big changes during the bye week. Holgorsen’s playcalling gives some rhythm to the Husker’s offense while the Blackshirts force some mistakes out of the young USC QB,” notes Eric Hess of HuskerMax.
The game may be decided in the trenches. “Nebraska has the better linemen on both sides. I don’t know what else Holgorsen will be doing, but I have to believe that he can help gameplan a way to attack USC’s defense with the run, then use RPOs to adjust to their adjustments,” says the Middle-Aged Ball Coach.
Vegas opened with USC as 9.5-point favorites, but sharp money has pushed the line down to 7. The Trojans are perfect against the spread at home (4-0) but have surrendered fourth-quarter leads in all five losses this season.
Perfect weather awaits in Los Angeles (64 degrees, clear), setting up what should be a classic fourth-quarter battle between two proud programs seeking bowl eligibility.
Prediction: USC 27, Nebraska 24. The Huskers cover the spread but fall just short as USC’s home field advantage proves decisive late. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. Central on FOX.
