College Football Picks: Nebraska vs USC Team Best Bets
The No. 23 USC Trojans (5-2, 3-1 conf.) will travel to Lincoln to face the Nebraska Cornhuskers(6-2, 3-2 conf.) on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. PT, in a pivotal game that could decide the postseason fate for both teams. Both squads have upcoming games that could improve their resume with wins, but they have to get past each other first.
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Nebraska vs USC Betting Odds for Week 10
Spread: USC -4.5 (BetMGM Sportsbook), Nebraska +5 (Caesars Sportsbook)
Total: Over 58.5 (FanDuel Sportsbook), Under 59.5 (DraftKings Sportsbook)
Moneyline: USC -188 (FanDuel Sportsbook), Nebraska +180 (BetRivers Sportsbook)
The spread movement for this game has been shocking, to say the least. USC was favored as high as 7 earlier in the week, but there's been a rush of money heading Nebraska's way. The line is now -4.5, a full two points below where it was two days ago. Movement for the Total has been mostly stagnant, and the gap for the ML has gotten slimmer and slimmer as the week progresses. I think the spread could fluctuate by a half-point or more before kickoff.
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Nebraska vs USC Betting Picks for Week 10
Both teams are trending down right now, and for different reasons. Dylan Raiola has all the makings of a blue-chip quarterback, but recent numbers haven't reflected that potential. The Cornhuskers have also turned the ball over five times over the last two games. Lack of success on the ground has been Nebraska's kryptonite, and the team's outlook isn't great if the run game sputters.
USC was bitten by the injury bug, most visibly in the offensive line. Although some of the players will be off the injury report, the run game suffered during these absences. They endured a myriad of problems against Notre Dame that won't be as big a problem against Nebraska. The pass rush was non-existent, and they had no luck containing Jeremiyah Love. Nebraska has a potent back in Emmett Johnson, but he doesn't have the kind of supporting cast around him that Love has. The Cornhuskers surrender an average of 3.6 sacks per game, so USC should bounce back in that category, and the offense as a whole should see more success. Bottom line, the week of rest and reflection really works in USC's favor. Lincoln Riley is good at making adjustments mid-game, and he's had plenty of time to study Nebraska game film. A rested USC defense could a nightmare for Raiola and company, and few teams have a shot at keeping up with USC's powerful offense. I was fine with this bet when the spread was higher - I love it even more now.
Nebraska vs USC Expert Pick: USC -4.5 (BetMGM Sportsbook)
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Nebraska vs USC Predictions for Week 10
It could be hit-or-miss for Jayden Maiava and his host of talented wide receivers. The Cornhuskers have one of the best pass defenses in the country on paper, but they were shadows of themselves in their two losses. The question will be how well Maiava, Makai Lemon and Ja'Kobi Lane bounce back from a tough loss that weakened their playoff resume. It's hard to bet against such a talented crew, but the overall health of USC's offense will be the inflection point. No bones about it - Emmett Johnson has to shine for the Huskers to have a shot. If that part of the game falls into place, USC's task will be much harder. There's little question that King Miller will be able to rise to the occasion. Nebraska's run defense is the polar opposite of its pass defense. They rank 88th nationally in run defense, surrendering an average of 115.6 yards to opposing running backs.
This game could start out slow, but once USC's offense turns it on, the game will be all but over. The Trojans love to give up garbage points, so the point differential will be a bit deceiving.
USC 34, Nebraska 24
Nebraska vs USC Player Props for Saturday, November 1
Jayden Maiava Fantasy Score OVER 20.5 (PrizePicks)
I prefer targeting Maiava's red zone scoring ability as a passer and rusher over a metric like passing yards. Maiava should be responsible for most of USC's touchdowns in some capacity, and I predict there will be at least five of them.
Ja'Kobi Lane OVER 4.5 Receptions (Sleeper)
Makai Lemon should command most of Nebraska's attention, so I expect Lane to take advantage. Should a suitable prop for Tanook Hines surface, he could be a viable reception Over target as well.
