The blackout didn’t deliver the result Nebraska fans hoped for, but it certainly made for a striking visual under the Memorial Stadium lights. Nebraska opened strong and controlled much of the first half, but momentum shifted as the night grew colder — both on the field and on the scoreboard.
The Huskers (6–3, 3–3) hosted No. 24 USC (6–2, 4–1) on a frigid Saturday night in Lincoln to begin the final month of the regular season. After a wild start to the third quarter and a key injury that changed the tone of the game, USC capitalized and held Nebraska scoreless late, securing a 21–17 victory.
The loss extends Nebraska’s streak of defeats against Top-25 opponents, despite a promising start and an electric home-field atmosphere. The blackout uniforms may have looked sharp under the night sky, but the result left Husker fans in the cold once again.