The USC Trojans faced off against the Nebraska Cornhuskers on Saturday night, emerging victorious with a score of 21-17 in a challenging environment. The Trojans struggled offensively in the first half and trailed 14-6 at halftime. However, their defense held strong, allowing only three points in the second half. Quarterback Jayden Maiava and running back King Miller each contributed a touchdown in the final two quarters to secure the win. Coach Lincoln Riley acknowledged the difficulty of road victories in college football, stating, “Road wins are never easy. They just find a way to never be easy.” This win improves Southern Cal”s record to 6-2, keeping their College Football Playoff hopes alive.
On the other hand, the Texas Longhorns showcased their potential by defeating the Vanderbilt Commodores 34-31 at home. Arch Manning, who had been dealing with a concussion, returned to the field and threw for 328 yards and three touchdowns. Texas held a commanding 24-point lead entering the fourth quarter. Though Vanderbilt”s quarterback Diego Pavia mounted a late comeback, the Longhorns managed to hold on for the upset victory. While the SEC title may be out of reach, the playoffs are now back on the table for Texas.
Meanwhile, the Georgia Bulldogs, ranked fifth, narrowly avoided disaster against Florida in Jacksonville. The game was tightly contested, with both teams tied at 10-10 at halftime. Florida briefly took the lead in the fourth quarter, but a crucial 36-yard touchdown run by Chauncey Bowens secured a 24-20 win for Georgia. Although the Bulldogs need support to reach the SEC Championship Game, their one-loss record still keeps them in contention for the College Football Playoff.
In contrast, the Nebraska Cornhuskers experienced another setback, continuing their streak of losses against ranked opponents, now at 29 games. Adding to their woes, starting quarterback Dylan Raiola suffered a broken fibula, sidelining him for the remainder of the season. Despite being bowl eligible for the second consecutive year under Matt Rhule, this loss dashed their College Football Playoff aspirations.
Lastly, the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets fell eight spots in the rankings after losing their first game of the season 48-36 to NC State. The Wolfpack”s quarterback CJ Bailey led a strong offensive effort, while Georgia Tech”s Haynes King delivered an impressive performance with 408 passing yards and two touchdowns, alongside two rushing touchdowns. The difference in the game was Georgia Tech”s inability to convert drives into touchdowns, settling for field goals instead. Despite this setback, they still have the opportunity to compete for the ACC title and make their first appearance in the College Football Playoff.
