Game notes: Nebraska football set to welcome No. 23 USC to Memorial Stadium

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — The Nebraska football team is set to host USC in a blackout game at Memorial Stadium.

Kickoff for the primetime matchup is set for 6:30 p.m. Saturday on NBC.

The Huskers (6-2, 3-2) come into this one following a gritty 28-21 win over Northwestern last Saturday.

SEE ALSO: Nebraska reaches bowl eligibility in consecutive seasons with gritty win over Northwestern

Special teams was once again the highlight for Nebraska, as a kickoff return from Kenneth Williams to start the second half propelled the Huskers to a win.

Nebraska’s 6-2 start marks the Huskers’ best record through eight games since opening the 2016 season with a 7-1 record.

Saturday night’s matchup is the second as Big Ten opponents for two of college football’s most iconic brands.

USC defeated Nebraska last year in Los Angeles, and the Trojans will be making their first trip to Lincoln since 2007.

You can watch Matt Rhule’s full Monday press conference below:

SCOUTING USC

The Trojans come to Memorial Stadium with a 5-2 record and a 3-1 record in the Big Ten.

USC had a bye week last week following a 34-24 loss at Notre Dame.

The Trojans have posted Big Ten victories over Michigan, Michigan State and Purdue, with their only loss to Illinois.

USC features a high-powered offense under head coach Lincoln Riley.

The Trojans average 530 yards of total offense and 326.1 yards through the air per game, leading the nation in both categories.

Quarterback Jayden Maiava has completed 145-of-213 passes for 2,180 yards, 15 touchdowns and four interceptions.

Makai Lemon has a team-high 48 receptions for 758 yards and six scores. Ja’Kobi Lane follows behind him with 24 grabs for 424 yards and three touchdowns.

On the ground, USC averages 203.9 yards per game.

Waymond Jordan leads the Trojan rushing attack with 88 carries for 576 yards and five touchdowns, followed by King Miller with 380 yards and three touchdowns on 47 carries.

Defensively, the Trojans rank among the nation’s top teams in red zone defense and takeaways.

USC gives up 23.1 points and 365 yards per game.

Eric Gentry leads the USC defense with 48 tackles, seven tackles for loss and three sacks. Kameryn Crawford has seven tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and 18 tackles.

Bishop Fitzgerald has snagged a team-high five interceptions this season.

THIS WEEK’S NUMBERS

1 – Running back Emmett Johnson has 1,019 yards from scrimmage in eight games this season. He is the only Power Four player with 1,000 yards from scrimmage.

2 – Nebraska ranks second in the nation in passing yards allowed per game at 127.5. The Huskers have limited seven of eight opponents to fewer than 160 yards. USC leads the nation in passing offense at 326.1 yards per game.

5 – Nebraska ranks in the top 20 nationally in five special teams categories, including kickoff return average (3rd), punt return average (19th), punt return defense (3rd), kickoff return defense (14th) and blocked kicks (5th).

SCORE PREDICTIONS

Nate Johnson: Nebraska wins 30-27

Jake Homan: USC wins 28-24

Mark Fischer: Nebraska wins 31-30