Matt Rhule's poor record against ranked opponents persists following Nebraska's defeat by USC.

Jeff Hauser

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

TL;DR

  • * King Miller's go-ahead touchdown secured a 21-17 win for No.
  • 23 Southern California against Nebraska.
  • * USC's ground game compensated for their worst passing performance in seven years, gaining 202 rushing yards.
  • * Nebraska lost quarterback Dylan Raiola to injury and extended their losing streak against ranked opponents to 29 games.

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 is scheduled to travel to Pasadena next Saturday for a matchup against UCLA, with kickoff set for 9 p.m. ET on FOX. 

Additional college football updates: 

Jeff Hauser

Jeff Hauser is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. He has over twenty years of experience and is a two-time Emmy Award winner, Heisman Trophy and Biletnikoff Award voter. Among the events he has covered are the Super Bowl, College Football Playoff, World Series, World Cup, and WBC Boxing. Hauser is a regular guest on FOX Sports and ESPN Radio. He previously wrote for Sports Illustrated, SB Nation and Athlon Sports.