By Ty Scheiner
The regular season is winding down, but we still have matchups that are important to conference races, potential College Football Playoff berths, players auditioning for starting gigs next season, and new offensive playcallers making their 2024 debut. Here are the three players I’m keeping an eye on this weekend.
USC Turns to UNLV Transfer Jayden Maiava vs. Nebraska
USC and Lincoln Riley are going with UNLV transfer Jayden Maiava this weekend against the Nebraska Cornhuskers after benching Miller Moss. Maiava brings dual-threat capability to the Trojans’ offense and had a solid freshman season with the Rebels, throwing for over 3,000 yards and 17 touchdowns.
The Cornhuskers have struggled to contain mobile quarterbacks this season, so can Maiava continue that success? Nebraska ranks in the middle of the pack in the Big Ten, allowing 205 yards per game through the air and just over 100 yards on the ground. The Cornhuskers have also given up six quarterback runs of at least 10 yards, so we may see Maiava find similar success this weekend.
Dylan Raiola’s First Game with New OC Dana Holgorsen
On the other side, Dylan Raiola will be playing his first game under new offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen. Matt Rhule recently brought in Holgorsen, who has taken over play-calling duties from Marcus Satterfield, though Satterfield remains on staff. As a true freshman, ups and downs are expected, but having your offensive coordinator changed more than midway through the season probably wasn’t something Raiola anticipated. How much of the offense will change, if anything?
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Raiola ranks 9th in the Big Ten with a 64.7% completion rate and 1,921 yards through the air. The Trojans rank near the bottom of the Big Ten, allowing 237 passing yards per game. Which Big Ten team navigating offensive changes this weekend will come out on top?
Can Dylan Sampson Power Vols Past Bulldogs?
Whether Nico Iamaleava plays or not, I think Dylan Sampson will need to have a big game for the Volunteers to have a chance at upsetting Georgia between the hedges. Sampson has been the Vols’ best and most consistent offensive player, and they’ll need to lean on him heavily on Saturday night. The Bulldogs are allowing 111 rushing yards per game, and in both of their losses this year, the defense has given up over 130 yards on the ground. Sampson is currently 7th in the nation with 1,129 rushing yards, averaging 5.6 yards per carry.
I envision a low-scoring game, so time of possession and controlling the trenches will be key. If the Vols can win the battle up front and open up enough holes for Sampson, we may see the Bulldogs suffer their third loss of the season.
