Two teams at a crossroads, each with a season hanging in the balance. For Nebraska, it’s a battle to secure bowl eligibility; for USC, it’s a desperate bid to salvage what’s left of a once-promising campaign.
Our Nebraska vs. USC prediction breaks down which team can steady the ship and reclaim some momentum in Week 12.
Nebraska vs. USC Betting Preview
All Nebraska vs. USC odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are correct as of Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. The CFN spread comes from College Football Network’s Football Playoff Meter.
- CFN FPM Spread
USC -2 - Spread
USC -7 - Moneyline
Nebraska +298, USC -240 - Over/Under
51 points - Game time
Saturday, Nov. 16, 4 p.m. ET - Location
Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum | Los Angeles, CA - Predicted Weather at Kick
64 degrees, clear, 6 mph winds - How To Watch
FOX
The spread in this one has floated between -7 and -9.5 to the Trojans but currently sits at the opening number of -7. The total has also seen minimal movement as it has dropped just a point from the opening number of 51.5 to 50.5 before settling at 51.
Nebraska’s Winning Probability
According to CFN’s Football Power Meter, the Cornhuskers have a 47.2% chance of defeating the Trojans on Saturday.
If the win probabilities hold, Nebraska will earn bowl eligibility for the first time since 2016, when they finished 9-4 under Mike Riley, eventually falling in the Music City Bowl to Tennessee, led by quarterback Joshua Dobbs.
- at USC: 47.2%
- vs. Wisconsin: 55.6%
- at Iowa: 44.4%
USC’s Winning Probability
According to the FPM, USC has a 52.8% chance of defeating Nebraska on Saturday.
If the win probabilities hold, the Trojans would narrowly earn bowl eligibility for the third time in four seasons under Lincoln Riley, returning to the postseason after failing to make a bowl last season at 4-5.
Regardless of how 2024 plays out in Southern California, it feels that Riley’s seat is getting warmer by the week.
- vs. Nebraska: 52.8%
- at UCLA: 50.6%
- vs. Notre Dame: 26.6%
Prediction for Nebraska vs. USC
The Big Ten’s expansion continues to deliver matchups once thought improbable. This Saturday, the Nebraska Cornhuskers head to Los Angeles to take on the USC Trojans—a clash not seen in over a decade.
At the start of the 2024 season, both programs carried the weight of expectations as potential dark horses for the Big Ten title. Fast forward to now, and those hopes have faded, with the teams combining for seven losses in their last eight games.
For Nebraska (5-4, 2-4 Big Ten), the mission is straightforward: one more win to secure bowl eligibility. Meanwhile, USC (4-5, 2-5) faces a tougher path, needing to win both remaining games to keep their postseason dreams alive. Nebraska, fresh off a bye, is shaking things up with head coach Matt Rhule announcing earlier this week that Dana Holgorsen will take over offensive play-calling duties.
On the other sideline, USC is reeling. The Trojans have lost four of their last five, including a close battle with Washington. Like Nebraska, they’re coming off a bye, hoping to reset and rediscover the form that once made them a Big Ten contender.
Nebraska’s offense has struggled to find consistency, averaging 354.1 yards and 23.6 points per game. Quarterback Dylan Raiola leads the charge with 1,921 yards, 10 touchdowns, and eight interceptions, completing 64.7% of his passes.
Isaiah Neyor has been a dependable target, tallying 408 receiving yards and five touchdowns, while Dante Dowdell anchors the rushing attack with 471 yards and eight scores.
This week marks a new chapter for Nebraska’s offense under Holgorsen, a change aimed at igniting their potential.
MORE: Simulate the College Football Season With CFN’s College Football Playoff Predictor
On defense, Nebraska has been a bright spot, allowing just 308.1 yards and 19.1 points per game. Their run defense, holding opponents to 102.6 yards per game, is among the best in the conference. However, USC’s offensive firepower will test them.
The Trojans are turning to Jayden Maiava at quarterback, benching Miller Moss in favor of the former UNLV standout. Maiava, who threw for 3,085 yards and 17 touchdowns last season, brings a big arm and experience to the position. Makai Lemon has emerged as his top target, leading USC’s receiving corps with 448 yards and three touchdowns.
Even with Maiava’s upside, trusting USC as a favorite of more than a touchdown feels risky given their recent struggles. Nebraska’s solid defense and the boost of a revamped offensive approach could make them a smart pick to cover the spread.
Their resilience might be enough to keep this one closer than expected.
Prediction: USC 24, Nebraska 20
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