USC Game Preview

DefenderAO said:
Can't count how many games in the last 15 years we "black" out, get hyped, at home, and underperform.

Hope I'm wrong but I just see this not going well for us against USC. They're going to expose the lines and athletic differences. I just don't see it playing out differently, but hey, it's why you play the games.
Click to expand...

We do underperform any time we build up any hype, but that's not unique to alternate uniforms and we're not ranked so hopefully we're not quite at that stage in the cycle yet. The closest parallel for this game I see is 2021 Michigan, and I think our team this year is better and the opponent is worse so we should win right?

I do agree in general though, I think they're going to have a Michigan-type day running the ball and they have a more advanced QB and better receivers. I'm holding out for some night game magic though, USC's defense is meh and the atmosphere should be incredible. Can't ask for more on the scheduling side than a home night game in November, but the weather gods aren't doing their part because it's not going to be very cold. It'll be the coldest game they play all year, but 40s instead of 20s.
 
DefenderAO said:
Can't count how many games in the last 15 years we "black" out, get hyped, at home, and underperform.

Hope I'm wrong but I just see this not going well for us against USC. They're going to expose the lines and athletic differences. I just don't see it playing out differently, but hey, it's why you play the games.
Click to expand...
Agree with you - It has been a tough stretch the few times we have reached these big games. There have been a couple go our way.. Colorado felt big last year. Miami felt big a few years ago. The crowd made a massive difference in those games.

I'm just hoping our crowd can really make a difference. Memorial Stadium is a damn tough place to play when the fans bring it.
 
Do not over value USC on defense.

I watched them play Notre Dame and iLLinois - both road losses.

What amazes me is how soft USC is with their secondary & LBs, especially with poor effort and tackling attempts. In other words, they are not as physical as NW or as sound as Minn & other Big Ten defenses. When RBs get past the D-Line, big chunk plays will happen. The defense will wear down.

NU needs to run the ball often and take advantage of it, especially on a colder night as it projects to drop below 50 degrees at kickoff.

Last year, our collective RBs ran 18 times for 107 yards, around 6 ypc.

In the two road losses this year for USC, the collective RBs for iLLinois ran it 29 times for 144 yards. And ND gave it to their runningbacks 37 times for 315 yards.

And as much as I am "air raid, pass the dang ball guy" - I feel like NU needs to run it more than 30 times in this game, and be patient with it. EJ could and should have a big day. But also, quick passes to WRs in space. Huskers should get plenty of YAC to keep ahead of the sticks. Like I said, the USC secondary is not very physical.
 
Offensively for USC - they constantly throw the ball towards the sidelines and not very often towards the middle of the field. Does not matter if it's 7 or 10 or 15 yard route, the ball always goes outside of the hashes.

And they do a lot of RB screens. I think 10 times against Michigan.

They do like to quick slants to mix it up, and downfield lobs to draw PI down the sideline. Inside the redzone, the QB tends to throw passes high for jump balls, and they are good at that.

QB doesn't really run much. Set the edge, collapse the pocket, and force him to make tough throws.

Let's not forget, NU has a very good secondary with coverage and will get challenged a lot. But I think that is our strong suite, while Lincoln Riley loves to throw.
 
It sucks but I think the injures at RB will matter for USC. Our secondary is good enough to keep them reasonable, so it’s going to come down to staying disciplined on the run game and finding a way not to give up 50+ runs.

I think it’s good on good when they’re on offense and decent (us) on bad (them) when we’re on offense. Mix in some difference making plays on ST and an electric crowd and I’m feeling a 4 point win at home.
 
Hands down best Football team we’ll play during the regular season. Win this game its a big step in the right direction. One of the best defensive fronts in Football. They were leading the nation in sacks prior to the IL game. They’ll be bringing heat all night at the QB. The Huskers must have a top performance from the O-line to win this game. Limit sacks and allow for the run game to get established. We must keep the USC offense off the field. The offense is one of the best in the nation.
 
USC has playmakers all over the offense. We need to control clock and keep the big strike plays to a minimum. Our crowd needs to be extra loud.
 
FremontFred said:
It sucks but I think the injures at RB will matter for USC. Our secondary is good enough to keep them reasonable, so it’s going to come down to staying disciplined on the run game and finding a way not to give up 50+ runs.

I think it’s good on good when they’re on offense and decent (us) on bad (them) when we’re on offense. Mix in some difference making plays on ST and an electric crowd and I’m feeling a 4 point win at home.
Click to expand...
Credit to USC, it is OK that they have some real good receivers (as do we).

But yes, I agree, that our secondary can match up with anybody in football. We have done it all year. Nothing changes and we will have our guys ready to defend their passing game the best we can. Or better.

On the flip side, I have not seen their secondary being able to match up with our guys. Especially in the run game and playing physical.

However, the type of pass plays we do and pass-pro throughout the game will be important.
 
NWHuskerfan said:
Hands down best Football team we’ll play during the regular season. Win this game its a big step in the right direction. One of the best defensive fronts in Football. They were leading the nation in sacks prior to the IL game. They’ll be bringing heat all night at the QB. The Huskers must have a top performance from the O-line to win this game. Limit sacks and allow for the run game to get established. We must keep the USC offense off the field. The offense is one of the best in the nation.
Click to expand...
I don't want to dismiss your thoughts, because they are good.

I would agree that USC potentially has the best passing game and overall offense we will play against, on a nice September afternoon, but as an overall team, I would disagree. They have weaknesses too, especially on defense.

This game is winnable, and more winnable then last year - which was on a warm sunny day in LA.

This game will be played in Nebraska, on a colder night in Lincoln, and the energy will be lit. Let's rally up the family, and go get the dub. Talent for Talent, it's right there in front of us. Let's go do it.
 
Last edited:
DefenderAO said:
Can't count how many games in the last 15 years we "black" out, get hyped, at home, and underperform.

Hope I'm wrong but I just see this not going well for us against USC. They're going to expose the lines and athletic differences. I just don't see it playing out differently, but hey, it's why you play the games.
Click to expand...


It's quite easy to count. It's happened three times in the last 15 years.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top