USC vs. Nebraska Prediction & Odds: College Football Week 10 Betting Preview

With Matt Rhule fresh off a contract extension designed to keep him in Lincoln long-term, our USC vs. Nebraska prediction questions whether the commitment of the Cornhuskers’ head coach holds any bearing on guiding his middling defense against the explosive Trojans.

Both teams are sitting on two losses, and No. 23 USC seems like the squad with a resume that could still turn into a College Football Playoff appearance if enough chaos ensues.

The action for USC vs. Nebraska kicks off from Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Neb., on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET (NBC). USC is a 4.5-point betting favorite.

✅ USC vs. Nebraska prediction & expert picks

See all of our experts' college football picks for Week 10.

📊 USC vs. Nebraska odds

See live college football odds for every game in Week 10.

🏈 USC vs. Nebraska preview & score prediction

USC quarterback Jayden Maiava against a stingy Nebraska secondary is one of the most compelling good on good matchups you’ll find in college football all season.

Some version of this plays out virtually every week against the Cornhuskers. Just run the ball, and you’ll enjoy an easier time against their 93rd-ranked run defense than trying to throw on a unit that permits just 136.1 yards per game through the air (third in FBS). Unfortunately for Nebraska, USC is comfortable moving the ball whatever way is required.

Trojans boast dual-threat efficiency 

USC ranks third in the country in yards per pass attempt (10.0) and sixth nationally in yards per carry (5.9). That balance should help USC consistently break through against a Nebraska team that's faced only one offense among the FBS top 60 in AdjO, yet it's still allowed 26.6 points per game in Big Ten play.

The Trojans boast the top-ranked adjusted offensive efficiency in the nation and are averaging 42.4 PPG. Nebraska is 0-5-1 against the spread when facing power conference opponents.

The best odds on USC -4.5 come from DraftKings at -108 odds, with an implied probability of 51.92%. The profit on a winning $10 bet would be $9.26.

Score prediction: USC 34, Nebraska 26

🆚 USC vs. Nebraska matchup to watch

King Miller vs. Nebraska's run defense

Though Maiava facing the elite Nebraska pass defense will be compelling to watch, I don’t really see an edge either way on his passing prop (266.5 yards). So I looked to the ground to identify my favorite player prop in the matchup.

Nebraska allows 168.1 rushing yards per game (93rd in FBS) but it's even worse in the efficiency department on a per-play basis. The Huskers allow 5.1 yards per carry to opposing rushers (115th in FBS).

USC freshman RB King Miller has exploded onto the scene over the past couple of games, securing 18 rushing attempts in both contests while totaling 228 yards against Notre Dame and Michigan.

With even a semblance of that rushing volume this week, Miller’s 8.1 yards per carry for the year puts him in position to shred his rushing line from BetMGM given Nebraska’s weakness on the ground.

Best prop bet: King Miller Over 83.5 rushing yards (-115 via BetMGM)

📈 USC vs. Nebraska betting trends

🌤️ USC vs. Nebraska weather

The forecasted temperature for this matchup on Saturday night at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln is 31 degrees with a 0% chance of precipitation. 

South winds are expected at 6 mph with gusts up to 15 mph.

📺 How to watch USC vs. Nebraska

• Date: Saturday, Nov. 1
• Kickoff: 7:30 p.m ET
• Location: Memorial Stadium (Lincoln, Neb.)
• TV: NBC