USC 28, Nebraska 20

TLDR: In a thrilling game at Memorial Coliseum, Jayden Maiava shone in his debut start for Southern California, leading the Trojans to a dramatic 28-20 win over Nebraska. Maiava’s performance was marked by 259 passing yards and three touchdown passes, plus a late rushing touchdown that sealed the victory. Despite an early interception returned for a Huskers touchdown, Maiava found his rhythm, connecting with teammates Zachariah Branch, Kyron Hudson, and Duce Robinson on scoring plays. Nebraska struggled offensively, with their sole touchdown pass from Dylan Raiola to Emmett Johnson adding 29 yards, and conceding turnovers which proved costly. USC’s defense showcased resilience, with Greedy Vance Jr. intercepting the Huskers’ last-ditch end-zone effort in the closing seconds. Woody Marks also played a key role, rushing 146 yards to help secure the win. While Nebraska failed to clinch bowl eligibility, USC kept their hopes alive, needing victory in upcoming games to ensure a non-losing season.

USC fans witnessed a captivating performance by Jayden Maiava, who lit up the Memorial Coliseum in his first-ever start as the Trojans’ quarterback. Masterfully leading USC to a 28-20 victory over Nebraska, Maiava demonstrated both poise and precision, delighting everyone who had their eyes peeled on this nail-biting game. He logged 259 yards through the air and secured three touchdowns, but it was his late-game heroics—a crucial two-yard touchdown run—that truly sealed the win for the Trojans against a gritty Nebraska squad.

Lifelong followers of USC couldn’t help but be thrilled by Woody Marks’ contribution on the ground. The relentless running back amassed 146 yards, adding yet another element of surprise to USC’s attack. In a season beset by ups and downs, Marks’ performance injected fresh hope and opportunity as the team strives toward bowl eligibility under Coach Lincoln Riley’s guidance. The UNLV transfer from Maiava took charge, stepping up in place of Miller Moss and showcasing the spark many have waited for this season.

Nebraska, on the other hand, continued to struggle, despite efforts under new offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen. The Huskers’ offensive woes resulted in just 254 yards and a solitary touchdown pass from Dylan Raiola. Ceyair Wright’s dynamism, in returning an interception for a touchdown as well as blocking a field goal, provided brief moments where Nebraska seemed poised to challenge USC’s lead, yet consistency proved elusive.

A moment not to be overlooked in the tactical tussle was Greedy Vance Jr.’s critical interception, which stifled Nebraska’s attempt to equalize in the dying moments of the game. For Nebraska, missed opportunities and turnovers marred their hope of bouncing back, and as Coach Matt Rhule reflected on eight straight losses where bowl aspirations slipped through their fingers, resolve and tactical recalibration remain pivotal for the Huskers’ upcoming contest against Wisconsin.

With the upcoming rivalry game against UCLA, USC holds an opportunity to ensure a non-losing season. As Maiava continues to grow into his role, while the Trojans’ potent mix of passing flair and ground resilience unfolds, fans will be keenly watching whether the team can string together the necessary wins to bolster their status in the college football realm.