Two teams, both at pivotal moments, with seasons teetering on the edge. For Nebraska, it’s a fight to secure bowl eligibility; for USC, it’s about salvaging the remnants of a season that once held so much promise.
Our Nebraska vs. USC prediction dives into which team can find their footing and regain momentum in Week 12.
Nebraska vs. USC Betting Preview
All Nebraska vs. USC odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are correct as of Friday, Nov. 15, 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 that once seemed unthinkable. This Saturday, the Nebraska Cornhuskers travel to Los Angeles to face the USC Trojans — a clash last seen over a decade ago.
Heading into the 2024 season, both programs carried the weight of expectations as potential dark horses for a Big Ten title. But those ambitions have dimmed, as the two teams have stumbled through their schedules, combining for seven losses in their last eight games.
For Nebraska (5-4, 2-4 Big Ten), the goal is clear: one more win to secure bowl eligibility. Meanwhile, USC (4-5, 2-5) faces a steeper climb, needing victories in both of their final games to keep postseason hopes alive. After a bye week, the Cornhuskers are shaking things up, with head coach Matt Rhule handing offensive play-calling duties to Dana Holgorsen in a bold move announced earlier this week.
Across the field, USC is reeling. The Trojans have dropped four of their last five, including a hard-fought loss to Washington. Like Nebraska, they return from a bye, aiming to reset and reclaim the form that once made them a force in the conference.
Nebraska’s offense has struggled with consistency this season, averaging 354.1 yards and 23.6 points per game. Quarterback Dylan Raiola leads the unit, throwing for 1,921 yards, 10 touchdowns, and eight interceptions while completing 64.7% of his passes.
Isaiah Neyor has emerged as a reliable weapon with 408 receiving yards and five touchdowns, while Dante Dowdell anchors the ground game with 471 yards and eight scores.
This week ushers in a new era for the Cornhuskers, as Holgorsen’s leadership offers a fresh approach they hope will jump-start their offense.
MORE: Simulate the College Football Season With CFN’s College Football Playoff Predictor
Defensively, Nebraska has been a bright spot, surrendering just 308.1 total yards and 19.1 points per game. Their run defense, allowing only 102.6 yards per game, has been particularly stout. However, they’ll face a tough challenge in USC’s offense, which has playmakers capable of testing any unit.
The Trojans are turning to Jayden Maiava at quarterback, with head coach Lincoln Riley benching Miller Moss in favor of the former UNLV standout. Maiava brings both experience and upside, having thrown for 3,085 yards and 17 touchdowns last season with the Rebels. Makai Lemon leads the receiving corps with 448 yards and three touchdowns, offering a reliable target for Maiava’s big arm.
Yet, backing USC as a favorite by more than a touchdown feels risky given their recent struggles. Nebraska’s resilience could make them a worthy pick to cover the spread, especially with their revamped offense and solid defensive foundation.
Prediction: USC 24, Nebraska 20
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