Nebraska football vs. USC: Odds, prediction and how to watch

As we head into the 10th game of the Nebraska football season, the Huskers are in a familiar position — needing a sixth win to clinch a bowl game.

Nebraska is fresh off a bye week, and head coach Matt Rhule announced some drastic changes on Monday. Dana Holgorsen has taken over as offensive coordinator.

I like the move for now and for the future. The offense needed a different play-caller. It’s “unique” as Rhule said to bring in a coach from essentially off the street, but the head coach said it was “needed.”

Hopefully, it will be the right move and sparks the offense. Beating USC won’t be easy. The offense will need to be much better than it has been, and right now, it ranks 99th in scoring offense.

USC is 4-5. The Trojans are changing to a different starting quarterback, Jayden Maiava. USC scores 30 points per game and allows 22. The Trojans average 437 yards of total offense.

Miller Moss also threw 18 touchdowns compared to nine interceptions and got benched. Dylan Raiola has nine touchdown passes just for comparison. USC does surrender 373 yards per game though and 4.2 yards per rushing attempt, as well as 1.7 rushing touchdowns per game.

With that in mind, here’s a look at the odds, how to watch, and our prediction against the spread.

Nebraska football vs. USC odds

According to DraftKings, Nebraska football is a nine-point underdog against USC. The over/under is 50.5 and the moneyline is +270 for the Huskers and -340 for the Trojans.

Nebraska football vs. USC How to watch

Kickoff: 3:00 CST

Where: LA Coliseum

TV: Fox

Radio: Huskers.com

Streaming: Fox Sports APP/FUBO TV

First look at USC, plus a prediction

The Trojans need this game as badly as Nebraska football does. Lincoln Riley is starting to wear out his welcome and missing a bowl game in year three would be a bad look. USC needs to win two of its last three games to make a bowl, while the Huskers need just one win.

USC is also nearly a double-digit favorite. The fanbase will go haywire if Nebraska pulls the upset. The new quarterback is an X-factor. So is the fact that the Huskers have a new offensive coordinator, who happens to run a similar scheme to Riley.

Jo’quavious Marks is a name Nebraska fans need to know. The running back is averaging 5.7 yards per attempt this season and has gone over 100 yards three times in five games. His lowest output during that stretch is 82 yards and for the season, he’s averaging 97 yards per game.

Nebraska is allowing 3.3 yards per attempt on the ground. That’s a battle they need to win because if Marks is getting 4-5 yards a pop, that’s going to make it difficult on Tony White’s defense.

USC has its own defensive issues and the Huskers have to be able to run the ball. We don’t know if Dylan Raiola will play. He’s essentially questionable so the offensive line, the backs, and maybe Heinrich Haarberg will need to have a big day on the ground.

The Blackshirts have to force a couple of takeaways. However, the spread seems a little large. Nebraska does have to travel West but the kickoff time isn’t out of the ordinary at least.

I’ve got the Trojans winning the game, but think the Huskers cover the spread and drop a close one, but play better on offense with Holgorsen calling plays.

Prediction: USC 27, Nebraska 20 

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