Nebraska Cornhuskers (5-4) vs. USC Trojans (4-5)
November 16, 2024 4:00 pm EDT
The Line: USC Trojans -9 / Nebraska Cornhuskers +9; Over/Under: +50.5
(Get latest betting odds)
In this article, we will formulate a USC vs Nebraska prediction for this College Football game on Saturday, November 16th at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this week 12 matchup.
USC Trojans Betting Preview
The USC Trojans are 4-5 (2-5) this year after they lost to Washington by a score of 26-21 in their last game. USC trailed 20-7 at halftime, but they took a 21-20 lead in the third, before allowing the only points in the fourth for the loss. The Trojans outgained Washington by a total of 459-375, lost the turnover battle 3-0, and went 8-16 on third down in the game. Miller Moss threw for 293 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions, while Woody Marks rushed for 123 yards and one score.
Prior to that win, the Trojans defeated Rutgers by a score of 42-20 but did lose the three games before that. The USC offense has scored 30.6 points per game with 291.2 passing yards and 146.6 rushing yards per game, while the defense has allowed 22.2 points per game this season. Miller Moss was benched, so we will see Jayden Maiava under center, while Woody Marks has led the ground attack with 878 yards and nine scores.
Nebraska Cornhuskers Betting Preview
The Nebraska Cornhuskers are 5-4 (2-4) this season after they lost to UCLA by a score of 27-20 in their last game. Nebraska cut the deficit to 10-7 in the second quarter, but they allowed the next 17 points in the loss. The Cornhuskers were outgained by a total of 358-322, lost the turnover battle 2-0, and went 9-17 on third down in the game. Dylan Raiola threw for 177 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, while Dante Dowdell rushed for 61 yards and two scores.
Prior to that game, the Cornhuskers lost to Ohio State by a score of 21-17 and Indiana by a score of 56-7. The Nebraska offense has scored 23.6 points per game with 229.2 passing yards and 124.9 rushing yards per game, while the defense has allowed 19.1 points per game this season. Dylan Raiola (questionable) has completed 64.7% of his passes for 1,921 yards, 10 touchdowns, and eight interceptions, while Dante Dowdell has rushed for 471 yards and eight scores.
Why Nebraska will cover
- USC has lost three of its last four games as a favorite.
- Nebraska has won five of its last six games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Nebraska has covered the spread in 10 of its last 12 games as an underdog against non-AP-ranked teams.
- USC has failed to cover the spread in five of its last six November games against non-AP-ranked teams.
Total Points Facts
- Six of USC’s last seven home games in November have gone OVER the total points line.
- Five of Nebraska’s last six games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone UNDER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- USC ranks T12th among FBS teams for passing yards per game this season (291.2).
- USC ranks 18th among FBS teams for 3rd down conversion percentage this season (46.9).
- Nebraska ranks 133rd among FBS teams for 4th down conversion percentage this season (29.4).
- Nebraska ranks 126th among FBS teams for red zone percentage this season (72.2).
USC vs Nebraska Prediction
Both of these teams come into this matchup struggling over the last month or so, but USC will have the home-field advantage. The Trojans are making the switch to their backup quarterback, but their defense has been the real issue this year. Nebraska is dealing with an injury to Raiola, so it will be interesting to see if he is able to play. The Cornhuskers nearly beat Ohio State two games ago, but they followed that up with a terrible effort at home against UCLA. Both of these teams have been disappointing this season, but there is no way I am laying this many points with this USC defense. Take Nebraska here.
