Nittany Lions Head to the West Coast to Face Trojans (Game Preview)

No. 4 Penn State (5-0, 2-0 Big Ten) at USC (3-2, 1-2 Big Ten)

Date: Saturday, October 12

Times: 3:30 PM

Location: United Airlines Field at L.A. Memorial Coliseum (Los Angeles, CA)

Coverage

• TV: CBS

• Radio: CommRadio & LionVision (PSU) & ESPN LA 710 AM (USC)

• Live Stats: ESPN GameCast & SideArm Stats (USC)

Storylines

High Praise From a Former Star

Former Penn State quarterback Kerry Collins commented that QB Drew Allar has “an NFL body and skill set,” and that the current quarterback can translate tremendous success that can translate into pro success which is “what is needed in the NFL”. Collins was the starting QB for the 1994 Penn State team that went on to have an undefeated season and miss the BCS National Championship. (Source: ESPN)

5-Star Prospect Visits Los Angeles

Class of 2026 linebacker Tyler Atkinson from Loganville, GA (247Sports) will make an appearance at the Penn State-USC game this weekend in hopes of being convinced by the Trojans’ performance. Penn State is also on Atkinson’s big list of school options, and the result of the game could prove to be a turning point in his future decision. (Source: Sports Illustrated)

No. 4 Penn State at USC: Team Numbers

No. 4 Penn State	Offense	USC
34.4	Points Per Game	30.8
244.0	Pass Yards Per Game	292.8
217.8	Rush Yards Per Game	149.6
52.83%	3rd Down %	51.52%
4 (0.80)	Turnovers (per game)	11 (2.20)

No. 4 Penn State	Defense	USC
11.4	Points Allowed PG	18.4
157.0	Pass Yards Allowed PG	158.4
76.2	Rush Yards Allowed PG	157.8
33.33%	Opponent 3rd Down %	26.32%
12 (2.40)	Takeaways (per game)	12 (2.40)

Trojans Hold Slight Head-to-Head Lead

Penn State is 4-6 against USC all-time, according to Winsipedia. Their last meeting was on January 2, 2017, when USC beat Penn State 52-49 in the Rose Bowl. Penn State is 0-3 against USC on the road all-time, with their last road meeting being a 21-10 USC victory on September 12, 1991. USC has won the last three head-to-head meetings dating back to 2000. Penn State last beat USC on August 25, 1996 in a 24-7 neutral site victory.

Top Players on Offense

No. 4 Penn State

• QB Drew Allar, Jr.

  • Passing: 73-for-103, 1,101 yds, 9 TD, 1 INT

  • Rushing: 26 car, 89 yds, 3 TD

• RB1 Nicholas Singleton, Jr.

  • Rushing: 53 car, 408 yds, 3 TD

  • Receiving: 6 rec, 74 yds, 2 TD

• TE Tyler Warren, Sr.

  • Receiving: 23 rec, 289 yds, 3 TD

USC

• QB Miller Moss, R-Jr.

  • Passing: 129-for-200, 1,398 yds, 9 TD, 4 INT

• RB Woody Marks, R-Sr.

  • Rushing: 81 car, 468 yds, 4 TD

  • Receiving: 19 rec, 145 yds

• WR Ja’Kobi Lane, So.

  • Receiving: 21 rec, 234 yds, 4 TD

Top Players on Defense

No. 4 Penn State

• DE Abdul Carter, Jr.

  • Defense: 22 tot, 8 TFL, 3 sacks

• LB Tony Rojas, So.

  • Defense: 23 tot, 3.5 TFL, 1 INT

• S Jaylen Reed, Sr.

  • Defense: 33 tot, 3 TFL, 2 PD

USC

• LB Easton Mascarenas-Arnold, Sr.

  • Defense: 36 tot, 19 solo, 1 INT

• LB Eric Gentry, Sr.

  • Defense: 30 tot, 2 sacks, 1 FF

• CB Jacobe Covington, R-Sr.

  • Defense: 18 tot, 1 TFL, 2 PD

Quick Picks: Expert Analysis

Bryan: USC is a dangerous foe for Penn State heading into a tumultuous bye week. It won’t be easy, but I think the Nittany Lions will leave Los Angeles with a win. Pick: No. 4 Penn State