USC Trojans vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers Football Match Player Stats: A Comprehensive Analysis of the 2024 Clash

The USC Trojans and Nebraska Cornhuskers faced off on November 16, 2024, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, delivering a thrilling Big Ten showdown that ended with USC prevailing 28–20. This Week 12 NCAA FBS game showcased emerging quarterbacks, dynamic rushing attacks, and critical defensive plays, captivating 75,304 fans under the California sun. Both teams, sitting at 5–5 overall, were fighting for bowl eligibility, making every stat count. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the player stats from this matchup, drawing from sources like ESPN, FOX Sports, and Sofascore, to highlight key performances and unpack what shaped the outcome. Whether you’re a Trojans or Cornhuskers fan or a college football enthusiast, this detailed breakdown aims to top Google searches with its depth and insight.

Game Context: USC Trojans vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers

The USC Trojans (5–5, 3–5 Big Ten) and Nebraska Cornhuskers (5–5, 2–5 Big Ten) met in a pivotal game at United Airlines Field, broadcast on FOX. USC, under coach Lincoln Riley, made a bold move by starting redshirt sophomore Jayden Maiava over Miller Moss, seeking a spark after a 4–5 start. Nebraska, coached by Matt Rhule, introduced new offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen, hoping to revive a squad that had lost three straight. USC was favored by 6.5 points with a 50.5-point over/under, per ESPN, and the game’s 48 total points stayed under, while USC covered the spread. The Trojans’ 441 total yards outpaced Nebraska’s 310, but the Cornhuskers’ resilience kept it close until the final minutes.

Offensive Stats: Quarterbacks, Rushers, and Receivers

USC Trojans Offensive Highlights

USC amassed 441 total yards (259 passing, 182 rushing), averaging 6.6 yards per play. Their 6-of-13 third-down conversions (46%) and 1-of-1 fourth-down try showed efficiency, though 2 turnovers (1 interception, 1 fumble) kept Nebraska in the game. Key performers:

• Jayden Maiava (QB, #14): In his first start, Maiava dazzled, completing 25-of-35 passes (71.4%) for 259 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 1 interception, plus a 2-yard rushing touchdown with 2:45 left to seal the win. His 7.4 yards per attempt and 13-yard touchdown pass to Duce Robinson in the third quarter highlighted his poise, earning praise from FOX Sports. Maiava’s 291 total yards (259 passing, 32 rushing) made him USC’s offensive MVP.
• Woody Marks (RB, #4): Marks ran for 150 yards on 19 carries (7.9 yards per carry), surpassing 1,000 season yards with a 34-yard burst in the fourth quarter. His longest run of 46 yards set up a score, per USC Athletics, and his 0 touchdowns didn’t detract from his chain-moving impact.
• Zachariah Branch (WR, #1): Branch caught 5 passes for 62 yards, including a 6-yard touchdown in the first quarter. His 4-yard punt return and 12.4 yards per catch kept drives alive, complementing his 5.8 receptions per game average in 2024.

USC’s passing game leaned on Maiava’s accuracy, with 22 completions to 8 different receivers. Their 182 rushing yards, led by Marks’s career-high, exploited Nebraska’s 4.6 yards per rush allowed, per Sofascore. Despite a pick-six by Nebraska’s Ceyair Wright, USC’s 28 points matched their 27.8 PPG season average.

Nebraska Cornhuskers Offensive Highlights

Nebraska totaled 310 yards (191 passing, 119 rushing), averaging 4.9 yards per play. Their 5-of-14 third-down conversions (36%) and 0-of-1 fourth-down try reflected struggles, with 2 turnovers (2 interceptions) proving costly. Standout players:

• Dylan Raiola (QB, #15): The true freshman completed 27-of-38 passes (71.1%) for 191 yards, 1 touchdown, and 2 interceptions, adding 14 rushing yards on 5 carries. His 29-yard touchdown pass to Emmett Johnson in the second quarter tied the game at 14–14, but picks by USC’s Greedy Vance Jr. and Easton Mascarenas-Arnold stalled drives. Raiola’s 5.0 yards per attempt, per ESPN, showed Nebraska’s conservative approach.
• Emmett Johnson (RB, #21): Johnson rushed for 62 yards on 8 carries (7.8 yards per carry) and caught a 29-yard touchdown pass. His 22-yard run in the third quarter set up a field goal, boosting Nebraska’s 119 rushing yards.
• Jahmal Banks (WR, #1): Banks led with 6 receptions for 68 yards, averaging 11.3 yards per catch. His 24-yard grab from Raiola in the fourth quarter reached USC’s 14-yard line, but a failed drive ended Nebraska’s comeback hopes.

Nebraska’s 191 passing yards relied on Raiola’s short throws, with 27 completions to 9 receivers. Their 119 rushing yards, split among Johnson (62) and Dante Dowdell (32), matched their 4.8 yards per carry average, per Yahoo Sports, but 2 interceptions dropped their offensive grade.

Offensive Comparison

• USC Trojans: Outgained Nebraska (441 vs. 310 yards) with a stronger run game (5.7 vs. 4.8 yards per carry) and passing efficiency (7.4 vs. 5.0 yards per attempt). Their 22 first downs topped Nebraska’s 19.
• Nebraska Cornhuskers: Competitive in completions (27 vs. 25) but less explosive, with 4.9 yards per play vs. USC’s 6.6. Two interceptions and 310 total yards limited their scoring to 20 points, below their 24.2 PPG average.

Defensive Stats: Tackles, Turnovers, and Sacks

USC Trojans Defensive Highlights

USC’s defense allowed 310 yards but forced 2 turnovers (2 interceptions) and held Nebraska to 4.9 yards per play. Their 3 tackles for loss and 1 sack disrupted Raiola’s rhythm. Key contributors:

• Easton Mascarenas-Arnold (LB, #6): Mascarenas-Arnold led with 8 tackles, 1 interception, and 1 tackle for loss. His fourth-quarter pick of Raiola at USC’s 20-yard line preserved a 21–20 lead, per The Athletic.
• Greedy Vance Jr. (CB, #21): Vance Jr. grabbed 1 interception in the end zone, stopping a Nebraska red-zone threat. His 4 tackles and pass breakup added to his 2.5 passes defended per game in 2024.
• DeCarlos Nicholson (CB, #13): Nicholson recorded 6 tackles and 1 sack, pressuring Raiola for a 7-yard loss in the third quarter. His coverage limited Banks to under 70 yards.

USC’s 5.2 yards per pass allowed and 4.6 yards per rush reflected a bend-don’t-break approach, per FOX Sports. Their 2 interceptions and 28:10 time of possession defense kept Nebraska’s offense in check, allowing only 1 touchdown after halftime.

Nebraska Cornhuskers Defensive Highlights

Nebraska allowed 441 yards but forced 2 turnovers (1 interception, 1 fumble) and notched 4 tackles for loss. Their 1 sack and 5 passes defended showed fight, though USC’s 6.6 yards per play exposed gaps. Standouts:

• Ceyair Wright (CB, #22): Wright’s 45-yard pick-six off Maiava in the first quarter gave Nebraska a 7–0 lead, per Daily Trojan. He added 5 tackles and 1 pass breakup, limiting Branch to 62 yards.
• John Bullock (LB, #5): Bullock led with 9 tackles, including 1 for loss, slowing Marks to 7.9 yards per carry. His 6.8 tackles per game average in 2024 anchored Nebraska’s front.
• Ty Robinson (DL, #9): Robinson had 1 sack and 3 tackles, dropping Maiava for a 6-yard loss in the second quarter. His 0.8 tackles for loss per game disrupted USC’s rhythm.

Nebraska’s 7.6 yards per pass allowed and 5.2 yards per rush were below their 4.2 season average, per Sportskeeda. Their 2 turnovers forced kept them in the game, but 441 yards allowed marked their third-worst defensive outing of 2024.

Defensive Comparison

• USC Trojans: More impactful with 2 interceptions and 3 tackles for loss, holding Nebraska to 20 points (4.2 below their average). Their 1 sack matched Nebraska’s.
• Nebraska Cornhuskers: Forced 2 turnovers (1 pick-six) but allowed 441 yards, their highest since Indiana’s 466. Their 4 tackles for loss couldn’t stop USC’s 28 points.

Special Teams: Kicks, Punts, and Returns

USC Trojans Special Teams

USC’s Eddie Czaplicki punted 3 times for 153 yards (51.0 average), with a long of 51 yards, pinning Nebraska inside their 20 twice. Kicker Michael Lantz went 4-for-4 on extra points but missed no field goals, as USC didn’t attempt any. Zachariah Branch returned 1 punt for 4 yards, and Makai Lemon had a 32-yard kickoff return, per USA TODAY.

Nebraska Cornhuskers Special Teams

Nebraska’s Brian Buschini punted 4 times for 219 yards (54.8 average), with a 65-yard long, per Daily Trojan. Kicker John Hohl made 2-of-2 field goals (30 and 37 yards) and 2-of-2 extra points, adding 8 points. Jahmal Banks returned 1 punt for 0 yards, and no kickoff returns stood out.

Special Teams Comparison

• USC Trojans: Czaplicki’s 51.0 punt average was solid, but no field goal attempts limited impact. Lemon’s 32-yard return set up a drive.
• Nebraska Cornhuskers: Hohl’s 2 field goals were clutch, and Buschini’s 54.8 punt average won the field-position battle, though returns were quiet.

Head-to-Head Trends and Historical Context

USC leads the all-time series 5–0–1 since 1962, per Winsipedia, with a 27.8–18.2 PPG average. The 2024 game marked their first Big Ten meeting, with USC’s 441 yards continuing their 400+ yard trend in 3 of 5 games vs. Nebraska. Trends:

• USC’s 259 passing yards in 2024 topped their 237 average vs. Nebraska since 2006.
• Nebraska’s 2 interceptions thrown matched their 1.6 turnover average in losses.
• USC’s 58.3% fourth-down conversion rate (7-of-12 in 2024) went 1-for-1, while Nebraska’s 0-for-1 reflected their 40% season mark.

USC’s 6–6 finish and Nebraska’s 5–7 final record showed both teams’ bowl-eligibility fight, with USC earning a Las Vegas Bowl berth.

Standout Players to Watch

• USC Trojans: Jayden Maiava’s 4 total touchdowns and Woody Marks’s 150 rushing yards signal a bright 2025.
• Nebraska Cornhuskers: Dylan Raiola’s 191 yards and Emmett Johnson’s dual-threat (91 total yards) hint at growth under Holgorsen.

Why These Stats Matter

Stats like Maiava’s 259 yards or Raiola’s 2 picks reveal USC’s offensive edge and Nebraska’s missed chances. For bettors, USC’s -6.5 spread cover and 48-point under aligned with 60% of their games, per Covers.com. Coaches see USC’s 6.6 yards per play and Nebraska’s 36% third-down rate as areas for 2025 focus. Fans relive Wright’s pick-six or Marks’s 34-yard run as defining moments, fueling Big Ten passion.

How to Track Live Stats

Follow live stats via:

• Sofascore.com: Real-time yards, scores, and turnovers.
• ESPN.com: Detailed box scores and play-by-play.
• USCTrojans.com: Official USC game updates.

Conclusion

The November 16, 2024, USC Trojans vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers clash was a tale of young quarterbacks and clutch plays, with USC’s 28–20 victory driven by Jayden Maiava’s 4 touchdowns and Woody Marks’s 150 rushing yards. Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola and Emmett Johnson showed promise, but 2 interceptions and 310 total yards fell short against USC’s 441. Defensively, USC’s Easton Mascarenas-Arnold and Nebraska’s Ceyair Wright made game-changing plays, while special teams saw Nebraska’s John Hohl add 8 points. This game underscored USC’s resilience amid a quarterback change and Nebraska’s fight despite a fourth straight loss. As both teams look to 2025—USC building on bowl momentum, Nebraska seeking consistency—these stats highlight strengths, flaws, and the excitement of Big Ten football. Expect more battles when these programs meet again, with Maiava, Raiola, and their teammates poised to shine.

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