Going into the game, I thought USC coach Lincoln Riley’s decision to replace Miller Moss with Jayden Maiava was a desperate move. I felt incredibly comfortable in my prediction after the Huskers went up 7-0 on a Ceyair Wright pick-six.

USC’s second touchdown, a 12-yard Maiva throw to Kyron Hudson, went through the fingertips of Nebraska defensive back Malcolm Hartzog. The Trojans’ final scoring march stayed on track after Maiava’s third-down throw to Makai Lemon pinballed through the air between the receiver and Nebraska linebacker Javin Wright.

USC has never lost to Nebraska in these historic programs’ infrequent meetings, going 5-0-1. Nebraska drove to the USC 14 with 5 seconds to play, but after a false start, Greedy Vance easily intercepted Raiola’s final pass into double coverage in the ...