Penn State vs. USC: A Clash of Titans on the West Coast
This Saturday, the No. 4 Penn State Nittany Lions will travel to the West Coast for a highly anticipated matchup against the USC Trojans. This Big Ten showdown, airing on CBS, marks the 11th meeting between these storied programs and the first since their thrilling Rose Bowl encounter in 2017, where USC emerged victorious with a nail-biting 52-49 finish. Historically, the Trojans lead the series 6-4, setting the stage for what promises to be an electrifying contest.
Recent Form: USC’s Struggles and Penn State’s Dominance
USC enters this game following a disappointing 24-17 loss to Minnesota, which has raised concerns about their performance in the Big Ten. With two losses in their first three conference games, the Trojans find themselves in a precarious position. A defeat against Penn State could severely hinder their chances of securing an at-large bid for the 12-team College Football Playoff, a goal that seemed attainable at the start of the season. Notably, USC had maintained a streak of scoring at least 20 points in 27 consecutive games, the second-longest in program history, before faltering against the Golden Gophers.
On the other hand, the Nittany Lions are riding high after a convincing 27-11 victory over UCLA. Penn State has established itself as a powerhouse, being the only FBS program to start 5-0 for four consecutive seasons. A win against USC would not only improve their record to 6-0 but also mark the first time since 1985 that they have achieved back-to-back 6-0 starts. The stakes are high for both teams, making this matchup even more compelling.
Key Matchup: Penn State’s Offense vs. USC’s Defense
As the game approaches, one of the focal points will be Penn State’s offensive strategy. Quarterback Drew Allar has shown promise, completing 70.9% of his passes for 1,101 yards and nine touchdowns. However, the Nittany Lions need to generate more explosive plays. Allar has completed only 8 of 12 passes on attempts over 20 yards, which constitutes just 11.7% of his total attempts. With tight end Tyler Warren leading the team in receptions, the wide receivers must step up to challenge USC’s formidable secondary, which has allowed only 157.6 passing yards per game—ranking 13th in the FBS.
For USC, the narrative surrounding head coach Lincoln Riley is critical. Despite his success at Oklahoma, he has struggled against top-tier teams since joining the Trojans, holding a record of 0-2 against AP top-10 opponents and 4-8 against ranked teams. With the Trojans’ College Football Playoff aspirations hanging by a thread, a victory over a ranked opponent like Penn State could be pivotal in shifting the narrative surrounding Riley’s tenure.
Implications for the College Football Playoff
For Penn State, the stakes are equally high. With a favorable schedule ahead, including only one ranked opponent left—No. 2 Ohio State on November 2—Penn State is in a prime position to make its first appearance in the College Football Playoff. A win against USC would bolster their résumé significantly, especially considering their previous victories over West Virginia and Illinois. If the Nittany Lions can secure a win on the road, they will not only enhance their playoff chances but also solidify their status as a legitimate contender for the Big Ten title.
Prediction: Who Will Prevail?
As both teams prepare for this crucial matchup, the biggest question remains: which team will control the trenches and establish the run game? Penn State boasts a dynamic backfield duo in Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen, giving them an edge in the running game. With both teams showcasing strong passing defenses, the outcome may hinge on which offense can effectively execute and capitalize on opportunities.
As the game approaches, the anticipation builds. Will USC find a way to bounce back and reclaim its status, or will Penn State continue its march toward a potential playoff berth? Fans and analysts alike will be glued to their screens, eager to witness this clash of titans unfold in Los Angeles.
How to Watch
For those looking to catch the action, the game is set for Saturday, October 12, at 3:30 p.m. ET, taking place at the iconic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Viewers can tune in via CBS or stream the game live on CBSSports.com and the CBS Sports App. Additionally, fans can access the game through Paramount+ with Showtime, making it easier than ever to follow this thrilling encounter.
Stay tuned for live updates as Penn State and USC battle it out in what promises to be a memorable college football showdown!
