A packed stadium in Lincoln celebrating Nebraska’s first-ever blackout game in five years was silenced when No. 23 USC rallied in the second half to take down the Cornhuskers. While it was Nebraska’s 29th consecutive loss against a ranked opponent, last night’s victory keeps the Trojans’ College Football Playoff hopes alive.
Nebraska set the tone early with an opening drive that was 14 plays long, capped off by an incredible catch by senior wide receiver Dane Key.
USC’s offense attempted to answer throughout the half, but was uncharacteristically quiet. On the first two drives, the Trojans went three and out. On their third drive, USC broke free and drove down the field. Yet, a false start at the goal line forced the team to settle for a 24-yard field goal by redshirt freshman kicker Ryon Sayeri.
The Trojans mustered another field goal before halftime, while the Cornhuskers extended their lead after a touchdown run by junior running back Emmett Johnson, making the score 14-6. Johnson ended the game with 165 rushing yards making it the fifth game in a row where he has rushed 100+ yards.
The Trojans looked to come out of the halftime break with a rejuvenated offense, but on their first offensive play, redshirt junior quarterback Jayden Maiava threw an interception right into the hands of junior defensive back Andrew Marshall.
USC’s defense took matters into their own hands when senior defensive end Anthony Lucas forced Raiola to fumble the football and was recovered by sophomore defensive end Kameryn Crawford to give the Trojan offense another chance to put points on the scoreboard.
Still, with the momentum going the Trojans’ way, the offense came up empty after getting stuffed on a fourth down run by sophomore running back Bryan Jackson. Fortunately for the Trojans, Nebraska sophomore kicker Kyle Cunanan didn’t have enough leg on his 52-yard field goal try, keeping the game at 14-6.
Maiava took control during USC’s next possession, finding freshman wide receiver Tanook Hines for a 29-yard reception on one of just nine completed passes in the game. This set up a 16-yard designed quarterback run by Maiava which led to another run play that the quarterback took all the way to the house, closing the Cornhuskers’ lead to two points.
On the two-point conversion attempt to tie the game, head coach Lincoln Riley delivered a playcalling masterclass. Maiava walked over to his right tackle giving “signals” to distract the defense. The ball was then snapped directly to redshirt freshman running back King Miller, who faked a pitch to junior wide receiver Makai Lemon as he ran outside to the left side of the field into the endzone for two points.
The Cornhuskers were forced to rely on backup freshman quarterback TJ Lateef for the remainder of the game because Raiola left in the third quarter with a season-ending broken fibula. Lateef led the Cornhuskers downfield to set up a go-ahead field goal from 39-yards out, to make the score 17-14.
Still early in the fourth quarter, Maiava stepped up and delivered a 43-yard dot to redshirt senior wide receiver Jaden Richardson on a flea flicker. After a pass interference call went against Nebraska, USC was set up at the six-yard line, and Miller ran it in to give the Trojans their first lead of the game.
Miller had a productive night, stepping up when the passing offense was lackluster. He ran for 129 yards on 18 carries.
The Cornhuskers had one final chance to capitalize with under two minutes remaining in the game. It was down to one last play, a fourth-and-one at the 27-yard line. Johnson, who was triumphant throughout the game, was stopped by the USC defense after he slipped and fell short of the marker. With that, the Trojans walked out of Memorial Stadium victorious with a 21-17 win.
Despite an abnormally weak passing offense with Maiava only throwing for 135 yards, the Trojans stepped up when it was needed most. USC’s 202 rushing yards was the difference maker.
Improving their record to 6-2, USC is now officially bowl eligible and hopes to stay in the hunt for a Big Ten title and a spot in the College Football Playoffs.
USC will host their next game against the Northwestern Wildcats on Friday, Nov. 7th.