Holiday Bowl Preview: Nebraska vs. USC

Saturday, Dec. 27 at 8:00 p.m. ET
Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego

Nebraska and USC meet for only the fifth time ever in this year's edition of the Holiday Bowl. The Trojans are ahead in the series 3-2, including a win in Lincoln over the Cornhuskers in 2007, the most recent matchup between the two teams.

Nebraska has dealt with a lot of changes in the weeks leading up to the bowl game, as head coach Bo Pelini was fired despite leading his team to a 9-3 record. The Huskers will have interim head coach Barney Cotton at the helm against USC, while newly hired Mike Riley will take over next season.

USC is riding high following a convincing 49-14 victory over Notre Dame. Steve Sarkisian is searching for his first bowl win as USC's head coach and his first career nine-win season.

Here is what you need to know: 

HOW THEY STACK UP: 

NEBRASKA
Record: 9-3
College Football Playoff Ranking: n/a
Points per game: 37.4 (13)
Points against per game: 24.8 (T44th)
Total Offense: 446.3 yards per game (33rd)
Passing Yards: 198.0 yards per game (90th)
Rushing Yards:  248.3 yards per game (16th)
Total Defense: 372.8 yards per game (48th)
Passing Yards Allowed: 196.3 yards per game (26th)
Rushing Yards Allowed: 176.5 yards per game (77th)
Turnover Differential: -2 (T75th)

USC
Record: 8-4
College Football Playoff Ranking: No. 24
Points per game: 35.1 (25)
Points against per game: 23.8 (34th)
Total Offense: 452.8 yards per game (29th)
Passing Yards: 294.6 yards per game (15th)
Rushing Yards:  158.2 yards per game (67th)
Total Defense: 398.2 yards per game (66th)
Passing Yards Allowed: 265.7 yards per game (108th)
Rushing Yards Allowed: 132.5 yards per game (27th)
Turnover Differential: +11 (T10th)

WHY NEBRASKA COULD WIN: Ranked fourth in the Big Ten in rushing, the Huskers' offense is capable of piling up yardage on the ground. Thanks in large part to running back Ameer Abdullah (1,523 yards this season), the Huskers could run circles around USC's defense. Quarterback Tommy Armstrong Jr. has been effective and finished the season on a high note, throwing four touchdowns in a win over Iowa.

WHY USC COULD WIN: The Trojans have won eight of their past 10 bowl games, and enter the matchup against Nebraska with momentum from their season-ending trouncing of Notre Dame. USC boasts a stout defensive line, led by Leonard Williams. The junior defensive lineman finished second on USC with 71 tackles and six sacks, and had 8 1/2 tackles for a loss. 

Cody Kessler's leadership will be vital for a Trojan victory. The quarterback has quietly proved himself this season, completing more than 70 percent of his passes while throwing for 3,505 yards, 36 touchdowns and only four interceptions. Kessler was impressive against the Fighting Irish, going 32-of-40 for 372 yards and six touchdowns, 

USC's 15th-ranked passing offense could be the difference against Nebraska. 

IMPACT PLAYER TO WATCH: Ameer Abdullah, RB, Nebraska 

"Fear Ameer" has been Nebraska's battle cry this season, making him an easy pick for the player to watch. 

Abdullah's numbers show he's consistently met lofty expectations, bobbing and weaving his way through defenders like few others can. The senior, ranked 11th nationally in rushing yards, heads into his last game as a Husker with 1,523 total rushing yards and 18 touchdowns, as well as 16 catches for 208 yards and three scores. He finished four games with 200 or more rushing yards, despite playing out the season with a knee injury suffered against Purdue.

The multitalented running back will be the focal point for USC's defense, but he may ultimately prove too tough to contain.