Oct 102 min read

No. 4 Nittany Lions Look to Topple Teetering Trojans

USC Trojans vs. Penn State Nittany Lions | Oct. 12, 2024 — © Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

In a pivotal Big Ten Conference clash, the unranked USC Trojans (3-2, 1-2) host the No. 4 Penn State Nittany Lions (5-0, 2-0) at 3:30 p.m. EST in the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. This will be the 11th all-time meeting between the blue blood programs, with the last matchup in the 2017 Rose Bowl. The Trojans hold a narrow 6-4 lead in the series.

Important Implications

Much is at stake in this midseason tilt. The undefeated Nittany Lions are in hot pursuit of a spot in the College Football Playoff 12-team field. This road contest with the Trojans and a home game on Nov. 2 against the No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes (5-0, 2-0) will likely go a long way toward determining whether Penn State will be a postseason participant. By contrast, USC has squandered its playoff aspirations with abysmal performances on the road against unimpressive conference foes—the No. 24 Michigan Wolverines (4-2, 2-1) and the unranked Minnesota Golden Gophers (3-3, 1-2). Despite an impressive season-opening win over the No. 13 LSU Tigers (4-1, 1-0 Southeastern Conference), pressure is mounting on coach Lincoln Riley to begin consistently delivering wins.

Primary PSU Performers

Leading Penn State to a 5-0 start, quarterback Drew Allar has completed 73 percent of his passes for 1,101 yards, 9 touchdowns and only 1 interception. Adding balance to the Nittany Lions' offense, the dynamic running back duo of Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen have shined. Singleton has rushed for 410 yards and 3 TDs while Allen has chipped in 375 yards and 2 TDs. Allar has also contributed to the ground attack with 134 yards and 3 TDs.

Elite defensive end Abdul Carter has already accumulated 3 quarterback sacks and 8 tackles for loss. He was a first-team All-Big Ten performer in 2023 and will pose a substantial challenge to a shaky USC offensive line that has struggled in pass protection this season.

Top Trojans

While the USC offense has flashed some of its potential in the early stages of the 2024 campaign, it has not delivered consistent high-level play. The Trojans need their OL to give talented junior QB Miller Moss time to distribute the ball to his gifted wide receivers—Zachariah Branch, Duce Robinson, Ja'Kobi Lane, Makai Lemon and Kyron Hudson.

According to Trojans Wire, offensive line coach Josh Henson is on the hot seat, as he "continues to fail to get offensive linemen to perform."

The improved USC defense, led by safeties Kamari Ramsey and Akili Arnold, will be counted on to keep the Nittany Lions' potent offense in check.