Lincoln Riley can’t afford another loss to a team like Nebraska

For the first time in nearly a month, USC enters a Saturday matchup with a clear and unquestionable talent advantage. After a brutal two-game stretch against Michigan and Notre Dame, a run that produced a hard-fought split, the Trojans head to Lincoln to face a 6–2 Nebraska team that has done little to inspire confidence despite its respectable record.

This is the type of game Lincoln Riley badly needs to win if he wants to calm the storm of negative chatter surrounding him. Too often under his watch, the Trojans have fallen to opponents that they were clearly better than, but didn't play up to their potential.

The Trojans hold the edge over the Cornhuskers in nearly every meaningful statistical category. While Nebraska’s quarterback Dylan Raiola has thrown two more touchdowns than his counterpart, Jayden Maiava, he’s also tossed more interceptions, accumulated fewer passing yards, and completed a lower percentage of his throws.

However, the Cornhuskers will likely try to win this game at the line of scrimmage, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. Although Nebraska ranks near the bottom of the conference in sacks allowed, the running threat of Emmett Johnson remains a serious factor that USC must identify and neutralize from the opening kickoff.

The Trojans won’t have much depth in the backfield this weekend, with both Waymond Jordan and Eli Sanders ruled out. Still, King Miller brings explosiveness, and Bryan Jackson’s size and physicality should prove valuable in wearing down Nebraska’s defense.

The Trojans are the more talented team, and even though this is a road game in a hostile Big Ten environment, it’s absolutely one that Lincoln Riley and company should, and must win to restore confidence in a fan base that’s grown tired of watching their team lose to opponents they should handle.

Expect a balanced offensive attack and a relentless pass rush throughout the night. USC has had two weeks to prepare for this matchup, and under Riley, the Trojans have never lost when given that kind of preparation time in his three and a half years as head coach.

Prediction