The Nebraska Cornhuskers travel to Los Angeles to play the Trojans of the University of Southern California in a game where both schools play similar styles (West Coast Offense) and both programs hare headed by former NFL coaches. Of course everybody knows what SC has done the past few years, winning a share of a National Championship in 2003, a BCS championship in 2004 and participated in the BCS Championship game in 2005.
The Cornhuskers, on the other hand, have been going through a transition from the “Old School”, smash mouth football, to the more popular and trendy aerial attack brought in by former NFL and Oakland Raiders coach Bill Callahan. There is no doubt about it. Callahan and his Huskers want to be where the Trojan’s and Head Coach Pete Carroll are. Nebraska wants to return to elite status of college football and can do so with a win. Callahan leads the Huskers against No. 4 USC in an ABC nationally televised game on Saturday at 8 p.m. (EDT).
Commenting on getting his team ready and the importance of playing a team like Southern Cal, Callahan is looking forward to the trip. “This is a good opportunity for our club and our program to get some national visibility.” Callahan said. “ To have an opportunity to play on a national stage and I can tell you our players are excited. We certainly respect USC in every regard. A fine staff, excellent players and just a great venue to play a top caliber game.”
Carroll is thrilled to have a game of this caliber for the Trojans first game in front of the home fans in the Coliseum. “This is a big exciting game for us coming home,” Carroll said. “Getting home to the Coliseum for the first time in so long. We have been waiting all off-season to get this done. There is a great build-up and it’s a great event for us, particularly that we have such an extraordinary opponent.”
Nebraska, riding a 5-game winning streak, features a balanced offense behind Quarterback Zac Taylor, Running Back Marlon Lucky and Sophomore Wide-Out Nate Swift. Swift set Nebraska freshman records with 45 receptions for 641 yards and seven touchdowns last season.
The Nebraska Defense returned many of the starters from a unit that led the nation in sacks and tackles for a loss in 2005. All-American Defensive End Adam Carriker leads the Husker defensive unit.
The Trojans have been encouraged by the early play of starting Quarterback John David Booty, who throws to the likes of 2005 Biletnikoff Award finalist and All-American first team wide-receiver Dwayne Jarrett and fellow wide-receiver Steve Smith who is in the USC career receptions Top 10. Blocking for the Trojan’s stable of running backs are 2005 All-American Offensive Tackle Sam Baker and Rimington Award Candidate, Center Ryan Kalil.
The line at most books favors SC @ -17.5 and the Total is 57. Keep in mind that if Pete Carroll can get a leg up he will run up the score however I think Nebraska will step up for the challenger and cover. If the Cornhuskers can put a few points on the board (you know SC will) the total could easily go over 57.
