Nebraska Football: Can Huskers Really Beat USC in Holiday Bowl?

Do you have faith that Nebraska can defeat USC? If so, you're in the minority.

Fox Sports' Ryan Fowler projected a 23-20 victory for the Trojans, per the Omaha World-Herald, while Fox Sports' Bruce Feldman and Stewart Mandel both predicted USC victories by a large margin (41-21 and 35-17 respectively).

Even the spread isn't in Nebraska's favor, with Odds Shark putting the Huskers as a seven-point underdog.

That has to feel discouraging for Nebraska fans. After firing head coach Bo Pelini and hiring Mike Riley in his place, the Huskers are in a state of transition. Interim head coach Barney Cotton will do his best to keep the Nebraska players focused, but it can't be easy.

Does that mean Nebraska can't win?

Not quite, and USC understands that.

After all, the Trojans were in the same boat as the Huskers just one year ago before defeating Fresno State 45-20 in their bowl game.

"It was tough," quarterback Cody Kessler told Bleacher Report's Kyle Kensing. "But it's about the players on the field."

It ultimately does come down to the players on the field. For the Huskers, it's all about uniting. That's something that could motivate Nebraska to a victory, as safety Nate Gerry said, per ESPN.com's Mitch Sherman:

"

The things we’ve faced over the month, we’ve put them behind us. We’ve kind of realized that Saturday is the last time we’ve got together, and we’re just going to use our energy to go out there and play well for each other - not really worry about anything. Play for the guys who brought you to Nebraska. That’s what I’m going to do. I’m going to give it all I’ve got, like I know they’re going to do for me.

"

As for what could happen on the field, it's hard to say. What's immediately clear is that Nebraska has not faced an offensive opponent like USC in 2014. As Sherman pointed out, "Michigan State, the most productive passing offense among the Huskers’ 12 opponents, ranks 38th nationally."

Shutting down USC's passing game is going to be easier said than done for the Huskers, though. Against Notre Dame (USC's final regular-season opponent of the year), quarterback Kessler threw for 372 yards and six touchdowns.

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

From a season perspective, Kessler completed 292 passes for 3,505 yards and 36 touchdowns, per ESPN.com. That gives him a 70.7 completion percentage. He's only been intercepted four times.

The area where Nebraska could make an impact? It easily comes down to the defensive line. Kessler was sacked 30 times in 2014, which is an area the Huskers could exploit.

USC's offensive line is young, as the Omaha World-Herald noted. It includes three freshmen, a sophomore and a junior. Can Nebraska break through the Trojans' young line and put pressure on Kessler?

"Likely, it depends somewhat on the effectiveness of fellow end Randy Gregory," Sherman said.

He's right, too. Gregory sat out against Iowa to end Nebraska's regular season, but he's back at practice. Will he be effective? Can he lead the defensive line? The answers to those questions could easily determine whether or not Nebraska can win.

“Hopefully our D-line will be able to put some pressure on the quarterback,” Cotton said, per the Lincoln Journal Star. “But I’m still sure that our guys want to really concentrate on stopping the run first.”

When it comes to the run game, USC is currently averaging 3.9 yards per carry. As the Lincoln Journal Star noted, that ranks the Trojans 91st nationally. USC is much stronger passing, but Nebraska won't be able to ignore one part of the Trojans' offense for the other if it wishes to win.

As for Nebraska's offense, I-back Ameer Abdullah will need a big day. Cotton believes the Huskers will get that.

“Ameer (Abdullah) looks a lot more like his old self,” Cotton said, per the Lincoln Journal Star. “He really was kind of down a few percentage points as we got to the second half of the season there. But he’s moving better than I’ve seen him look in a long time.”

That's good news for the Huskers, too. When the I-back performs well and rushes for over 100 yards, Nebraska tends to win. When he's limited, things do not go as easily for Nebraska. He'll also need help from his quarterback, Tommy Armstrong, and the offensive line. However, a lot of weight will rest on Abdullah's shoulders alone.

With all that said, the question remains: Can the Huskers really defeat USC?

The odds are stacked against the them. However, a strong showing for the Nebraska defense would give the Huskers the best shot. If things go south for the defense quick, it seems unlikely that Nebraska can walk away with a win.

Additionally, how Abdullah performs will also have a big say in the end result.

Yes, Nebraska can really defeat USC. It won't be easy, seeing as the odds are stacked against the Huskers. However, with a strong game plan and help from Gregory and Abdullah, it's not a complete long shot.