The No. 23 University of Southern California (USC) will face off against the Nebraska Cornhuskers in a pivotal matchup on October 21, 2023. This game, dubbed the first official Blackout Game for Nebraska, serves as a de facto elimination contest for the College Football Playoff, as both teams enter with two losses.
Nebraska is seeking to build on recent momentum following a decisive victory against Northwestern after a disappointing road loss to Minnesota. The program recently secured a contract extension for head coach Matt Rhule through the 2032 season, signaling stability and renewed optimism for the Cornhuskers.
The stakes are high in what will be a primetime showcase on NBC. As both teams vie for a crucial win, predictions point to a closely contested game, with forecasts suggesting a narrow victory for USC, projected at 32-28. Analysts have noted that Nebraska’s performance has improved, evident in their past game where the actual score deviated by only 9.5 points from the team’s predictions.
Offensive Firepower and Defensive Challenges
USC arrives in Lincoln with one of the most potent offenses in college football, ranking fifth nationally in scoring. The Trojans lead the nation in passing yards, total offense, and yards per play, averaging 203.9 rushing yards per game with an impressive 5.90 yards per carry. This offensive prowess poses a significant challenge for Nebraska’s defense, which has struggled against the run, currently sitting at 90th in the country with an average of 156.5 rushing yards allowed per game.
Nebraska’s offensive line faces additional hurdles, particularly with injuries affecting their depth. The team’s inability to establish a consistent run game could be detrimental, especially against a USC defense that has shown vulnerability against physical rushing attacks. Analysts express concern regarding Nebraska’s offensive consistency and their capacity to contain the explosive Trojan offense throughout the game.
On the other hand, Nebraska’s home-field advantage at Memorial Stadium, coupled with the atmosphere expected during the Blackout Game, could level the playing field. The Cornhuskers hope that their special teams can contribute significantly, potentially influencing the game’s outcome.
Key Player Matchups and Historical Context
A pivotal matchup will feature quarterbacks Dylan Raiola of Nebraska and Jayden Maiava of USC. Both players have shown flashes of brilliance, but Raiola’s offensive line struggles to protect him could hinder his performance against USC’s aggressive pass rush, which averages 3.6 sacks per game.
Historically, USC has faced challenges in road games against Big Ten opponents, raising questions about their performance in Lincoln. Despite being favored, the Trojans must overcome not only Nebraska’s spirited home crowd but also their own inconsistencies.
As the teams prepare for this critical matchup, the Cornhuskers aim for their first victory against a ranked opponent in years. Fans are hopeful that Nebraska can deliver a complete game, an aspect that has eluded them in crucial moments throughout the season. With an emphasis on mistake-free football, the home team seeks to leverage its strengths while addressing its weaknesses to pull off an upset.
As kickoff approaches, anticipation builds for what promises to be an electrifying game under the lights, with both teams eager to keep their playoff hopes alive.
