Qualcomm Stadium at 5 p.m. PT on ESPN and WatchESPN
Husker to Watch: Senior RB Ameer Abdullah
The Huskers possess a formidable and diverse rushing attack centered around versatile tailback Ameer Abudullah. The senior has run for 1,523 yards (12th in the nation) and 18 TDs this season plus he contributes as a receiver (208 yards) and kick returner (272 yards) making him the No. 5 ranked all-purpose threat in the country. For the most part, the Trojans have fared well against star running backs in 2014, but this will be the toughest back they face, according to head coach Steve Sarkisian.3 Keys
That Old Chestnut
After Tyler Murphy torched the Trojans in Chestnut Hill, any mobile quarterback strikes fear into the heart of USC fans, but Justin Wilcox's defense has contained the quarterback fairly well since that Boston College loss. However, in this day and age, the dual threats never end, so Tommy Armstrong provides the latest challenge. The sophomore is an average passer (seventh in the Big Ten at 192.8 yards per game), but he uses his feet to gain an extra 55.3 yards per game, which makes him a dangerous complement to Abdullah. The Huskers will look to make some big plays over the top in the passing game, but they are a running team with one of the nation's best 1-2 punches at QB and RB.
Scouts Honor
Theoretically, Nebraska DE Randy Gregory and USC DE Leonard Williams could return to school for their senior seasons, but more likely, they will be lured to the NFL thanks to their Top 10 projections. Depending on team needs, Gregory and Williams could be competing to be the No. 1 overall pick. The Holiday Bowl will provide a national stage for both players to show off their wares. Williams should thrive working inside against a makeshift Nebraska line, but Gregory will find Freshman All-American OT Toa Lobendahn a worthy adversary albeit a young one. If USC's young line can protect QB Cody Kessler, he can take aim at becoming the first Pac-12 quarterback to reach 40 touchdown passes in a season.
Beware the Blackshirts
"This is the best football team we've played all year," Sarkisian stated plainly at the final press conference before the Holiday Bowl. The head coach is certainly not underestimating the Cornhuskers even without their head coach Bo Pelini. Interim head coach Barney Cotton has his troops inspired, and they are a talented bunch, including PR De'Mornay Pierson-El, the nation's leader in punt return yardage, and DB Nate Gerry, who has five interceptions this season. The Trojans have enjoyed perfect preparation for this game, but they will need to execute at a high level to finish the season with a Holiday Bowl victory.
Here is the head coaches' press conference on the day before the Holiday Bowl:
