College Football Week 9 Highlights: Nebraska Struggles, USC Shines

Nebraska's recent three-game losing streak has dropped the team toward the bottom of the Big Ten, intensifying scrutiny on head coach Matt Rhule as they approach a critical November. After starting the season 5-0, the Cornhuskers now sit at 5-3, having lost close games, including a recent defeat to Washington where a late interception sealed their fate. With upcoming road games against Illinois and Rutgers, the team faces a pivotal month that could determine their bowl eligibility.

In contrast, Southern California's 30-18 victory over Ohio State has provided a much-needed boost for coach Lincoln Riley, potentially easing pressure on his position. This win marks a significant achievement for the Trojans since joining the Big Ten, showcasing a strong performance from both their offense and defense.

Other notable winners include Texas Tech, which rebounded from a previous loss with a 34-26 win against Arizona, and Iowa, who dominated Wisconsin 30-0, positioning themselves for a potential playoff spot. Wake Forest continues to impress with a commanding 51-7 victory over Virginia, while Penn State avoided a fifth consecutive loss by defeating Purdue 31-17.

On the downside, Ohio State's loss complicates their path to the Big Ten championship, requiring them to win out to secure a playoff berth. Oklahoma's struggles continued with a 42-25 defeat to South Carolina, dropping their record to 4-4. Indiana also faced challenges, needing overtime to defeat Minnesota, raising questions about their quarterback situation. Additionally, SMU's playoff hopes dimmed after a narrow loss to Syracuse, and Wisconsin's struggles persisted with a disappointing performance against Iowa.