Huskers come up short to USC in 28-20 defeat

The Nebraska Cornhuskers traveled to the Los Angeles Coliseum for a Big Ten clash against the USC Trojans. Both teams have been struggling lately, seeking an opportunity to escape their current skids. Unfortunately for the Huskers, the Trojans found more luck, resulting in a 28-20 defeat.

The Huskers’ offense once again relied a little too much on the short passing game, despite a change in offensive coordinator and play caller. But it was partly due to Nebraska being limited offensively, whether it was USC’s defense stepping up or questionable no-calls by the referees not giving Nebraska a break.

Dylan Raiola threw 27-of-38 on the day, but for just 191 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. The first interception occurred on a toss to Isaiah Neyor with a defender in front of him. The second pick came at the end of the game when Raiola fired a shot to Jahmal Banks to try and score a potential touchdown.

Nebraska’s ground game faired no better despite breaking out multiple big runs. Emmett Johnson rushed for 55 yards off ten carries and Dante Dowdell earned 52 yards off eight carries.

The Blackshirts once again saw massive slips, either of their own doing or luck not being on their side. USC racked up 441 total yards on offense, rushing for 182 yards and passing for 259 yards. This was partly due to the Trojans replacing Miller Moss with Jayden Maiava.

The dual-threat quarterback provided an unpredictable factor to the game, along with multiple miraculous catches by his receiving core, allowing USC to get the edge. Maiava scored all four touchdowns for the Trojans, throwing three and rushing for one.

He also threw a pick-six to USC transfer Ceyair Wright. Wright himself delivered a big game in his return to Los Angeles, grabbing four solo tackles and a blocked field goal along with the pick-six.

But in the end, the Huskers came up short once again, falling to 5-5 ahead for the second straight year. Nebraska returns home to the Wisconsin Badgers on Saturday afternoon. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. on Big Ten Network.