USC vs. Nebraska: 5 Things You Need to Know for Holiday Bowl

By Patrick Leiva

USC vs. Nebraska: 5 Things You Need to Know for Holiday Bowl

Holiday Bowl
Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

USC and Nebraska, two of college football’s most recognizable brands, will square off for the fifth time in their two storied histories in San Diego on Dec. 27. Here are five things you need to know for the National University Holiday Bowl.

5. Can Nebraska Defeat USC For The First Time?

Nebraska Football
Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports

5. Can Nebraska Defeat USC For The First Time?

Nebraska Football
Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports

USC leads the all-time series 3-0-1, with the last two meetings coming during the 2006 and 2007 seasons. USC was victorious in both games, winning at Nebraska in their last meeting 49-31 and defeating the Cornhuskers 28-10 the previous season in Los Angeles.

4. Which Cody Kessler Will Show Up?

Cody Kessler USC
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

4. Which Cody Kessler Will Show Up?

Cody Kessler USC
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Kessler flew under the radar nationally this year, but he threw for 3,505 yards with 36 touchdowns and only four interceptions. He closed the season on fire, tossing six touchdown passes against Notre Dame, which had never been done before. However, in the five games against ranked opponents this season, Kessler struggled, throwing for an average of 214.2 yards per game, with only four touchdowns and three interceptions in those contests.

3. Nebraska Rush Offense vs. USC Rush Defense

Ameer Abdullah Nebraska
Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

3. Nebraska Rush Offense vs. USC Rush Defense

Ameer Abdullah Nebraska
Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Nebraska will showcase the top running back that USC has faced all season in Ameer Abdullah. He had a fantastic senior season, rushing for 1,523 yards and 18 touchdowns. Abdullah paces the No.17-ranked rushing attack in the country, as the Cornhuskers average 248.3 yards per game. The USC rush defense, led by defensive lineman Leonard Williams, has been solid all season allowing 132.5 yards per game (27th in the country).

2. USC Pass Offense vs. Nebraska Pass Defense

Nelson Agholor USC
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

2. USC Pass Offense vs. Nebraska Pass Defense

Nelson Agholor USC
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The USC pass offense features the most dynamic set of receivers Nebraska has faced all season. The Trojans’ passing attack, which ranks 15th in the country at 294.6 yards per game, is led by junior Nelson Agholor. He paced USC with 97 receptions for 1,223 yards and 11 touchdowns. The Trojans should face a stern test from a Nebraska defense that allows 196.3 yards per game (26th in the country) through the air and only 5.86 yards per attempt.

1. How Will Nebraska Respond To Bo Pelini’s Firing?

Bo Pelini Nebraska
Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports

1. How Will Nebraska Respond To Bo Pelini’s Firing?

Bo Pelini Nebraska
Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports

Despite never winning less than nine games in any of his seven seasons, Nebraska fired Pelini. The Cornhuskers acted swiftly in replacing Pelini with former Oregon State coach Mike Riley. The latter won’t take over until after the bowl game, so Barney Cotton, who served as run-game coordinator and tight ends coach under Pelini, will serve as interim coach. It will be interesting to see the type of performance Nebraska puts forth under Cotton.

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