Nebraska at USC: the game of the unknown. With the addition of new offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen and USC changing quarterbacks in UNLV transfer Jayden Maiava, this football game entails drama.
Nobody knows what to expect, but the anticipation for a new set of eyes on offense is high.
Here are three keys for Nebraska to have a shot at USC:
Get Raiola going early
Freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola is expected to be ready to go in Los Angeles.
“Dylan’s ready to go (and had a) great week of practice,” head coach Matt Rhule said at Thursday’s media availability.
Holgorsen should try to get Raiola in a rhythm early—some short option routes to receivers. Get him to 7-10 or better passing. This will be huge if the five-star quarterback can get into a flow, against a weak Trojan pass defense that ranks 96th in the country in yards allowed through the air.
If the Huskers can establish a short passing game, this would open up some draws for the running backs—mixing in some jet sweeps to freshman wideout Jacory Barney Jr., who knows, If the passing gets going, maybe Nebraska scores 30?
Make Maiava beat you through the air
With the benching of junior quarterback Miller Moss, Maiava brings a tough dual-threat skillset to defend. In 2023 at UNLV, he threw for 3,085 yards, 17 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He also racked up 277 yards on the ground.
The number one priority for the Blackshirts will be its bread and butter: stop the run. Senior running back Woody Marks is coming into Saturday having 878 yards for nine touchdowns, with a 5.7-yard rushing average.
The Blackshirts will need to perform as they did at Ohio State, as they only allowed 64 rush yards against the Buckeyes. This gave them a shot against the No. 2 ranked team in the nation. If they can make USC one-dimensional on offense, it should give the offense a shot at winning at the L.A. Coliseum.
Score in the red zone
This has been a key for many games this year and it still has yet to be executed. Nebraska is 126th in the country in red zone efficiency, only scoring 26/36 times.
Anticipate a different approach from Holgorsen when the Huskers get in striking distance. Rather than substituting predictable personnel, Holgorsen will use high-percentage plays that Raiola likes. He may even bring in junior quarterback Heinrich Haarberg, but not as a decoy—using the athleticism that Haarberg brings to use. Maybe a read-option?
One thing is for sure: Nebraska has to score in the red zone to have a shot in this football game. USC may not have the record, but they do have the talent to run away with this if the Huskers don’t capitalize—remembering that the Trojans beat No. 22 LSU, 27-20, to open the season.
Prediction
I suspect that Nebraska will show some bright spots. Holgorsen’s addition should light some fire in this Nebraska offense. Raiola, (as long as he stays healthy) should get into a good flow within the offense—leading to some sustained scoring drives.
I foresee the Blackshirts coming out angry and stopping the run. Maiava will be a challenge, but the Blackshirts will make the UNLV transfer beat them through the air.
I see Nebraska putting up a fight but losing at the end, 24-27. If they can somehow pull off a win, Husker Nation will finally be able to relax and enjoy the rest of the season.
Check out a deeper dive here: Dana Holgorsen, USC Preview, Dylan Raiola Status
