3 bold predictions for Nebraska football vs. USC

Wear black, Nebraska fooball fans, as the USC Trojans will invade Lincoln Memorial Stadium on Saturday night for what feels like the biggest game of the Matt Rhule era.

There have been other important matchups against top-25 teams. Yet, if the Huskers win this one, they could be ranked in November, sitting at 7-2.

That’s progress. Matt Rhule has already made progress at Nebraska, but that would be a dramatic step forward. Lincoln Riley’s USC team is averaging 42 points per game. It is an offensive juggernaut. The Trojans are a 4.5-point favorite.

The line has been dropping, and here are three bold predictions for Nebraska vs. USC.

Emmett Johnson rushes for 150 yards

If Nebraska wins this game, Emmett Johnson will have had a big night. In both games that USC has lost this season, they have been out-rushed. Illinois ran for 171 yards on the Trojans. Notre Dame went for over 300.

This much-maligned offensive line for Nebraska has at least been successful on the ground. There have been issues in short-yardage situations, but Michigan has been the only team to contain Johnson. The Wolverines were the only team to hold him under four yards a carry.

Johnson had 19 for 65 against Michigan. He can’t have a game like that, and he won’t. The junior running back has gone over 100 yards four times this season. He makes it five on Saturday night, going over 150 yards, with at least one run of over 40 yards.

Dylan Raiola proves he’s elite

Running the ball should be the focal point. Dana Holgorsen needs to protect the offensive line. The Huskers have had issues with pass protection. We all know it.

However, in two of the past three games, Nebraska has only allowed one sack. It’s probably not a coincidence that has happened each time with Elijah Pritchett on the field for the full game.

He missed a huge chunk of the Minnesota game due to the targeting call. Rocco Spindler was out, too. That doesn’t excuse nine sacks, but Nebraska football wasn’t at full strength.

The game plan should be about getting the ball out quickly. Yet, if the running game is working, Nebraska needs to take some shots. This USC defense can be had. They have allowed 28 points per game on the road. Against Illinois and Notre Dame, they allowed 34 points each.

Raiola has had bad throws and bad decisions in recent weeks. Most importantly, though, he’s responded with a game-winning drive, at least against Michigan State, Maryland, and Northwestern. He helped the offense convert four third downs on that drive.

That’s the Dylan Raiola Nebraska needs on Saturday night. I don’t know what the final numbers will look like, but he’ll play a clean game and have another game-winning drive. In short, he will be elite.

Special teams will make a difference again

Kenneth Williams leads all of college football in average yards per kickoff return. He’s got two returns that have gone over 80 yards this season.

Nebraska doesn’t even need a play like that. In what should be a 50/50 game, a 40-yard kickoff or punt return could make the difference.

The Huskers have been elite in the kicking game in all areas. That needs to continue against USC, and it will as Williams or Barney will make a big play, leading to another score for the Big Red.

Bonus: Ceyair Wright gets another interception against his former team.

Score Prediction: Nebraska 27, USC 24.

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