When Matt Rhule walked into the media room for Monday’s Nebraska football availability, he saw the mannequin on the far side of the podium. “That’s stupid,” he said, a statement he recounted during the session.
He was referring to the mannequin, not the football uniform it wore, black jersey, black pants and a black N and stripe on the white helmet. Without a doubt you’ve seen it on social media or TV. It’s what the Huskers will wear Saturday night, when they play host to No. 23 USC.
Memorial Stadium will be a Blackout, with fans encouraged to wear black, too.
“I think our crowd at home is a distinct advantage,” Rhule said, stating a point he regularly makes. “It’s truly a 12th man.” And the Blackout will likely enhance that advantage against the Trojans.
The game will be televised by NBC; national exposure, ranked opponent, Blackout, fresh off a contract extension for Rhule with a chance to remain in the discussion for a playoff berth? If four Big Ten teams are included, at least one will have two losses. And right now, Nebraska and USC are among five Big Ten teams with two losses.
The others are Iowa, Michigan and Washington.
But it’s one game at a time, of course, and USC has to be — and is — the focus. The 5-2 Trojans had an off-week following a 34-24 loss to Notre Dame.
Nebraska’s defense, which ranks second nationally in fewest passing yards allowed per game (127.5), will be tested by a USC offense that leads the nation in total offense (530.0 yards) and passing yards (326.1) per game. And no, those numbers aren’t misprints.
The Trojans also rank fifth nationally in points per game, 42.4.
Quarterback Jayden Maiava, who got his first start at USC in last season’s 28-20 victory against Nebraska after transferring from UNLV, has thrown for 2,180 yards and 15 touchdowns with only four interceptions. He threw for three touchdowns and ran for the other a year ago.
Wide receiver Makai Lemon will present a significant challenge to the Husker secondary. He has 45 receptions for 758 yards and six touchdowns.
The Trojans average 203.9 rushing yards per game, led by Wayman Jordan. USC is “a run-first football team” under Coach Lincoln Riley, said Rhule. Six Trojans have two or more rushing touchdowns.
As always, however, “let’s just worry about ourselves,” Rhule said.
Running back Emmett Johnson leads Nebraska’s offense. He’s the only Power Four Conference player with 1,000 yards from scrimmage. He has 1,019, including 837 rushing. He ranks eighth nationally and second in the Big Ten in rushing yards per game, 104.6.
The Husker offensive line will be without right tackles Teddy Prochazka, who’s lost for the season with an ACL injury, and likely Gunnar Gottula, according to Rhule. Gottula is also dealing with an injury. Turner Corcoran has stepped in, with Tyler Knaak also in the mix. Rhule mentioned redshirt freshmen Grant Brix and Preston Taumua, as well, when discussing the offensive line.
Freshman Kade Pietrzak and redshirt freshman David Höffken are getting opportunities in the defensive line as part of Nebraska’s rotating players, not because of starter issues.
Nebraska’s special teams, which attracted attention because of Kenneth Williams’ 95-yard kickoff return to open the second half of the Northwestern game, continue to be a strength under the direction of first-year coordinator Mike Ekeler.
The Blackout, an acknowledgement of the Husker Blackshirts, will be a factor, but it still comes down to “blocking and tackling,” Rhule said, repeating a point he regularly makes.
Nebraska’s media notes had “Nebraska” and “N” atop the first page in black instead of red. Even this Hail Varsity logo is black this week.
No mannequins needed Saturday night, the Huskers will be wearing the black uniforms. The goal “is to do one all-black (night) game every year,” Rhule said.
He wore a black Nebraska T-shirt to Monday’s media availability.
