The USC Trojans take on the Nebraska Cornhuskers in Lincoln, Neb. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC.
USC is favored by 6 points on the spread with a moneyline of -230. The total is set at 59 points.
Here’s my USC vs. Nebraska prediction and college football picks for Saturday, November 1.
USC vs Nebraska Prediction
- USC vs. Nebraska Pick: USC -6 (-110, bet365)
My Nebraska vs. USC best bet is on the Trojans to cover the spread. Find the best line available on our live NCAAF odds page.
USC vs Nebraska Odds
| Trojans Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-6 -110 | 59 -110o / -110u | -230 |
| Cornhuskers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+6 -110 | 59 -110o / -110u | +190 |
- USC vs Nebraska point spread: USC -6, Nebraska +6
- USC vs Nebraska over/under: 59 Points
- USC vs Nebraska moneyline: USC -230, Nebraska +190
USC vs Nebraska College Football Betting Preview
USC Trojans Betting Preview: Offense Ready to Reignite
USC ranks first nationally in EPA per pass at +0.50. The Trojans pair that with a strong +0.15 EPA per rush that keeps defenses honest.
This unit also ranks first nationally in Available Yards rate at an incredible 67.4%.
They’re maximizing drives and moving the ball at will.
There is no question that they are the most dangerous and explosive offense in the country. Head coach Lincoln Riley has had two weeks to prepare for the Huskers' defense, and they are going to enter Lincoln pissed off after their tough game against Notre Dame.
When you factor in that USC converts 57.5% of its third and fourth downs, which is fourth best nationally, this offense simply doesn’t stall.
Nebraska’s defense, while gritty, doesn’t have the tools to keep up.
Nebraska Cornhuskers Betting Preview: Reality Check vs. Elite Offense
The Cornhuskers are ranked 23rd nationally in EPA per pass allowed, which looks fine on paper. However, most of that came against middling offenses; they’ve yet to be tested by a top-tier player like Jayden Maiava.
They also rank 105th nationally in EPA per Rush allowed, meaning the Trojans should find balance early and often.
On the other side of the ball, USC’s defense is quietly better than people give them credit for. The Trojans rank 36th nationally in EPA per pass allowed at -0.08, and a respectable 47th in third-down defense. This perfectly combats a decent Nebraska offense.
That tells me they will give Cornhuskers quarterback Dylan Raiola more trouble than many would presume. Even if the 'Huskers sustain some drives, they’ll be facing longer third downs on average, which favors the Trojans’ ability to force punts or turnovers.
The injury situation only supports USC’s case.
Nebraska is dealing with multiple offensive line concerns, including the season-ending loss of right tackle Teddy Prochazka and the questionable status of Gunnar Gottula, both major blows for an offense that already struggles with consistency.
USC vs Nebraska Pick, Betting Analysis
USC is the right side, and the numbers back it up.
The Trojans’ offense is built to shred a Nebraska defense that hasn’t faced anything close to this level of explosiveness all season.
USC is getting healthier, with its offensive skill talent intact and only minor bumps up front.
From a situational standpoint, this spot sets up nicely for the Trojans. They’re coming off a bye week, which gives Coach Riley and his staff extra time to scheme against Nebraska’s defensive tendencies and allows the players to rest and recover from the early-season grind.
The additional preparation time also minimizes the typical travel fatigue that comes with flying to Lincoln, making this road trip far less daunting than it would otherwise be.
With fresh legs, a top-ranked offense, and a decisive advantage in the trenches, USC is positioned to control this game from start to finish. The play is clear in a matchup that favors the Trojans statistically, situationally, and physically.
Don't hesitate to lay the wood with USC, who should roll in Lincoln behind another statement performance from their high-powered, electric-factory offense.
Pick: USC -6.5 or Better
USC vs Nebraska Betting Trends
