USC (4-5) vs Nebraska (5-4)
Game Info: Saturday, November 16, 2024 at 4:00 pm (United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum)
The Line: Betting Odds: USC -9 / Nebraska +9 — Over/Under: 51.5
The Nebraska Cornhuskers and the USC Trojans meet Saturday in college football action from LA Memorial Coliseum. Here’s a Nebraska vs USC prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best Nebraska vs USC pick. We will examine:
The Nebraska Cornhuskers’ recent form and player performance
The USC Trojans’ recent form and player performance
Recent betting trends and streaks involving the Nebraska Cornhuskers
Recent betting trends and streaks involving the USC Trojans
Recent betting trends in games played between Nebraska and USC
A summary that ties it all together and produces a favorable betting outcome for the Nebraska vs USC game
Nebraska Cornhuskers Betting Preview
Nebraska got off to a nice start with wins over UTEP, Colorado, Northern Iowa, Purdue, and Rutgers mixed with a lone OT loss to Illinois over their first six outings. The Cornhuskers have hit the skids with losses to Indiana, Ohio State, and UCLA since then, though.
In their November 2 matchup with UCLA, the Cornhuskers gave up 24 points across the second and third quarters in a 27-20 loss. Dylan Raiola threw for 177 yards, one TD, and an interception. Dante Dowdell led the ground attack on 17 carries for 61 yards and two scores.
USC Trojans Betting Preview
Over on the USC side, they won three of their first four games over LSU, Utah State, and Wisconsin (with a loss to Michigan). The Trojans went 1-4 over the next five games, falling to Minnesota, Penn State, Maryland, and Washington.
In the Washington game, the Trojans held a one-point lead heading into the fourth quarter but ultimately fell 26-21. Miller Moss had 293 pass yards, two scores, and three picks. Jo’quavious Marks added 22 carries for 123 yards and a TD to lead the rush.
Why the USC Trojans will win
- USC has won 13 of its last 14 games against non-AP-ranked teams at United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
- Nebraska has lost eight of its last nine November games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- USC has covered the spread in each of its last four games at United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
- Nebraska has failed to cover the spread in each of its last four November games against non-AP-ranked teams.
Why the Nebraska Cornhuskers will win
- USC has lost three of its last four games as a favorite against non-AP-ranked teams.
- USC has failed to cover the spread in five of its last six November games as a favorite against non-AP-ranked teams.
- The underdog has covered the spread in four of USC’s last five games.
Total Points Facts
- Six of USC’s last seven November games at United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum have gone OVER the total points line.
- Four of Nebraska’s last five November games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.
Nebraska vs USC Prediction
I’ll stay with Nebraska. Both these teams could use a good showing, though. The Cornhuskers posted two picks, 4.5 yards per play, and a spotty 9-of-17 on third downs in their most recent loss to UCLA. The defense gave up 358 yards (219 passing) and 6.5 yards per play on the other side with no takeaways. That makes 20 or fewer points scored in each of the last four games, a 1-3 run for Nebraska.
As for USC, they had three interceptions mar an otherwise good offensive showing: 459 total yards (166 rushing) and 26 first downs. The Trojans’ defense didn’t create any takeaways either, but did have a pretty good showing for most of the game. USC should be in better shape with a home matchup here, but I don’t think they’ll quite make a cover if the Nebraska offense can get going.