Hey Nebraska fans, guess what? The Huskers play in a bowl game this Saturday evening! I think this is the first time in my Husker fan history that I have been so distracted that the upcoming game against USC has been just a second thought. Now, that is not fair to the team, coaches, and the players who love Dear Old Nebraska U, as they have been out there practicing and preparing for this December 27th Holiday Bowl. But you have to admit, we have been a little distracted with all that has happened since the over-time victory against Iowa.
Dec 5, 2014; Lincoln, NE, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Mike Riley following his press conference at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports
In case you have been living under a rock since the end of November, let me give you a recap of what you have missed. Pelini was fired and Riley was hired; Pelini was once again taped and so far, Riley has been great; a few of Bo’s recruits have decommitted while a few new Riley kids have committed; Bo went to Youngstown and Cotton and Garrison are going to Vegas, while Riley’s former Beaver coaches are in Lincoln to save us; the press slams Bo for his antics and behavior, while they call Riley the nicest coach ever and a polar opposite has been hired to fix the Nebraska way, so please pardon my distraction on the bowl game yet to be played. (I couldn’t help it, I’m in the spirit lol)
Depending on which football polls you follow, Nebraska and USC are fairly close in the rankings. The Huskers finished the regular season 9-3 and USC finished their regular season at 8-4. Both teams are decimated with injuries, but the injuries that Huskers are dealing with are to key personnel on the defense. On the defense alone, several starters are still questionable for the game, such as linebacker Trevor Roach, defensive back Corey Cooper, and defensive end Randy Gregory (although Cotton said he’s a go). Also questionable for the bowl games are linebacker Marcus Newby, offensive linemen Ryne Reeves, and wide receiver Alonzo Moore. Mark Pelini at Center, Imani Cross at RB, and Zach Sterup as OT are out for the game. And to top it all off, defensive end Jack Gangwish is suspended for the first half of the Holiday bowl for taking a selfie with a raccoon. Thanks PETA.
Nov 15, 2014; Madison, WI, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers mascot Herbie Husker performs during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin won 59-24. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
So with all of that said, let’s take a look and see who has the EDGE between the Huskers and the Trojans.
Nebraska ranks 42nd in total offense, averaging 446 yards per game – USC ranks 66th in total defense, allowing only 398 yards per game.
Edge: Nebraska
USC ranks 36th in total offense, averaging 453 yards per game –Nebraska ranks 44th in total defense, allowing 373 yards per game.
Edge: Even
Nebraska ranks 18th in rushing, averaging 248.3 yards per game– USC ranks 26th in defending the run allowing 132.5 yards per game.
Edge: Nebraska
USC ranks 72nd in rushing, averaging 158.2 yards per game – Nebraska ranks 77th in defending the run, allowing 176.5 yards per game.
Edge: Even
Nebraska ranks 99th in passing with 198.0 yards per game – USC ranks 107th in defending the pass, allowing 265.7 yards per game.
Edge: Nebraska
USC ranks 20th in passing, averaging 294.6 yards per game – Nebraska ranks 25st in defending the pass, allowing 196.3 yards per game.
Edge: USC
Nebraska ranks 3rd in special teams efficiency – USC ranks 28th in special teams efficiency.
Edge: Nebraska
Nebraska ranks 81st in turnover margin with -0.2 – USC ranks 10th in turnover margin with +0.9.
Edge: USC
One thing I need to mention is the USC quarterback, Cody Kessler. He has thrown for 3,505 yards this season with 36 touchdowns and only 4 interceptions. Kessler’s completion percentage is 70.7%. The USC game plan will involve more passing plays than what the Huskers are used to seeing on defense. USC averages 35.1 passing plays per game. The saving grace in all of this is that the Huskers are tied for first in the nation in allowing opponent completions to only 47.5%, but the Huskers have yet to face a quarterback of this caliber with such a high completion percentage. Our safeties and cornerback play will be crucial. Our Tailgate gal, Kelli Anne says if you hit or hurry up the QB he can’t make the throws. I like how she thinks.
Even if the Husker starters that are injured get to play this Saturday, just how effective will they be missing most of the bowl game practices? Can interim head coach Barney Cotton rally this team with all the adversity they have faced in the last month? Will the team be playing to win just one more game for their former head coach, will they be playing to impress the new head coach, or will they just be playing for themselves and the fans? A better question might be are the players even focused for this game? We will be watching, tailgating and cheering no matter what! GO BIG RED!