Trojans survive thriller with Huskers to earn second road win of season

LINCOLN, Neb. — Pulling out road wins in Big Ten play is something Coach Lincoln Riley wants to accomplish on a consistent basis with USC, and Saturday’s clash at Nebraska did him some justice.

After all, the Trojans beat the Huskers 21-17 in front of 86,529 fans under the lights, to seal their second road victory of the year. Now Riley believes his squad has the momentum they need for the next game, considering they’re going to be operating on a short week. He found out a lot about his players as they were able to overcome early adversity against the Huskers.

Although offensive production was minimal, and Nebraska held USC to its’ lowest point total of the season, Riley found no shame in the ugly win because the team took a big step forward in his eyes.

“Of course it’s progress, come win at a place like this against a good football team, a night kick and the crowd riled up,” Riley said. “They have a good crowd every week, and it’ll be a surprise if they have a better crowd anytime this year than tonight, they were tremendous.”

The night didn’t start off with a bang for the Trojans though. Nebraska (6-3) drew first blood after USC’s defense allowed a 14-play, 75-yard touchdown drive. Not to mention the Trojans were held scoreless in the first quarter for the first time this season. However, USC was able to get on the scoreboard after two second quarter field goals from kicker Ryon Sayeri, including a 49-yarder.

The Huskers responded with another 75-yard touchdown drive, and increased their lead to eight points. Quarterback Jayden Maiava didn’t look comfortable in the pocket throughout the first half. The rest of USC’s offense didn’t generate much production either. Nebraska took a 14-6 lead into halftime, and Riley knew he had to make some adjustments.

“We didn’t play very sharp early, I didn’t think we tackled very good on the first drive, not a lot of explosive plays” he said. “Offensively we were just a little out of sync, and missed some big opportunities that we typically make.”

Fortunately for the Trojans, D’Anton Lynn’s defense never gave up, and kept up the intensity. Early in the third quarter USC’s defense sacked Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola, and recovered the fumble. That turnover changed the game plan for both teams, and the momentum clearly shifted to USC’s side. Raiola injured his leg on the play, and never returned. The Huskers inserted freshman TJ Lateef in for Raiola, and the Trojans played the remainder of the game in a phone booth on defense.

Offensively Maiava started to use his legs more to extend plays, and move the chains. He rushed for a 16-yard touchdown late in the third quarter, and USC converted the two-point conversion to tie the game up at 14. The game was all knotted up when the fourth quarter started, and Riley was determined to keep his foot on the gas.

The Huskers regained the lead after a 10-play, 57-yard drive that took over five minutes off the clock, and ended with a field goal from kicker Kyle Cunanan. Riley never panicked though, and his team continued to grind. The Trojans responded with their own 75-yard touchdown drive, which running back King Miller punched into the endzone, and gave them the lead for good.

The game came down to one final drive for Nebraska, and USC’s defense had to make a stop. The Trojans forced a fourth down with under two minutes to play. On the next play, Lateef took a snap and handed the ball off to running back Emmett Johnson, but he lost his footing, fell short of the yard to gain, and the Huskers turned it over on downs.

Maiava led the offense out on the next possession, and took the victory formation to end a hard-fought ball game. Riley admired the way his team played down the stretch in all three phases of the contest, and USC outscored Nebraska 14-3 in the second half.

“It’s an important step, just because you have to put all the pieces in place, and then nothing drives it home like have success, and nothing does,” the 42-year old said. “I’ve been part of some pretty special road winning streaks, and some teams that were really good on the road, and you have to win some of these like this.”

USC (6-2) led Nebraska in total offense, rushing yards, passing yards, and yards per play. Maiava only completed nine of his 23 passes for no touchdowns, and an interception. He was also sacked three times.

Regardless, the Trojans were able to run the ball, and that turned out to be the difference-maker in the second half. Miller rushed for 129 yards, and a touchdown. No USC player caught more than two passes throughout the night.

Defensively, linebacker Desman Stephens led the team with 10 tackles. Eric Gentry added eight stops, and forced a fumble. Edge rusher Anthony Lucas tallied seven tackles, a sack and forced a fumble. Sayeri didn’t miss a field goal or a PAT. Riley is encouraged by USC’s performance, and the program is now 6-0-1 in the series against Nebraska. USC is also 4-1 in Big Ten play, and has a Friday night matchup against Northwestern at the Coliseum.

Riley understands winning on the road builds confidence, and he feels the best is yet to come as the Trojans fight to stay in contention for a trip to Indianapolis.

“Road wins are never easy, they just aren’t, and it’s the hardest thing to do in College Football.”