Nebraska, Matt Rhule bad records against ranked teams continues with loss to USC

Jeff Hauser

Nebraska, Matt Rhule bad records against ranked teams continues with loss to USC image

King Miller ran for 129 yards and the go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter, and No. 23 Southern California overcame its worst passing performance in seven years to beat Nebraska 21-17 on Saturday night.

The Trojans (6-2, 4-1 Big Ten) entered with the nation’s top passing offense, but Jayden Maiava completed just 9-of-23 passes for 135 yards. USC’s ground game picked up the slack, producing 202 rushing yards and 10 runs of at least 10 yards.

Nebraska (6-3, 3-3 Big Ten) lost quarterback Dylan Raiola to a right ankle injury in the third quarter and dropped its 29th straight game against a ranked opponent. Nebraska coach Matt Rhule is also 0-8 vs. Ranked teams during his tenure in Lincoln. Overall, he dropped to 2-24 in his 10-year college coaching career. 

Nebraska's last ranked victory came on Sept. 17, 2016 against then-No. 22 Oregon 35-32.

Rhule spent his entire tenure at Baylor winless against Top 25 opponents. His last victory over a ranked foe came while at Temple on Dec. 3, 2016 against then-No. 19 Navy. 

Rhule, who signed a two-year extension Thursday, said his defense “had some valiant moments, but we lost the game so we’ll have to get better.”

Nebraska will head to Pasadena next Saturday to meet UCLA (9 p.m. ET, FOX). 

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News Correspondent