Penn State has breezed through five games and found itself ranked firmly among the nation’s top teams. Do the No. 4 Nittany Lions really belong among the best of the best? That’s likely to be answered at USC (3-2) this weekend — a major road test for James Franklin’s program as it attempts to extend an undefeated season another week.
Having arrived in Los Angeles on Thursday, in part due to a hectic travel itinerary, Penn State (-3.5) should be adjusted to the time change by the time it kicks off with the Trojans at 3:30 p.m. EDT (12:30 p.m. local) on Saturday. Tuning in? Look no further than CBS, which is set to broadcast its first game featuring the Nittany Lions this season.
Here are players to watch, keys to victory and a prediction for Penn State’s West Coast contest.
PREVIEW:
This very well could’ve been a top-10 matchup. That was until USC sustained its second loss of the year, a 24-17 defeat at Minnesota, this past weekend. Lincoln Riley’s Trojans haven’t played the part of an elite program by any means this season. They’ve now lost two of their past three and should be susceptible to another against the relatively unflappable Nittany Lions.
But there are challenges that stand in the way of a Penn State victory: an explosive pass offense, an aggressive defensive line and a typically uncharted hostile road environment. The Nittany Lions have improved significantly under first-year offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki. Now’s the time to see if he can keep up with another offensive mastermind in Riley.
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
RB Nick Singleton
There’s no doubt about it. If Kotelnicki wants to keep up with Riley, he’s gonna have to utilize his best players and play them to their strengths. Look no further than running back Nick Singleton, returning from injury after a one-game hiatus, to be Kotelnicki’s greatest weapon.
USC currently ranks second to last in the Big Ten with 158.6 rushing yards allowed per game, and has a knack for letting opposing running backs break out for big rushes. Penn State, meanwhile, has run the ball better than almost any other team in the conference, Singleton being an essential part of that.
Without Singleton in the fold against UCLA last weekend, the Nittany Lions rushed for a season-low 85 yards. His impact is obvious, and his performance should be a major factor in getting ahead on Saturday.
CB A.J. Harris
The Trojans passing attack is more lethal than any other Penn State has seen under new defensive coordinator Tom Allen in 2024. Miller Moss doesn’t just throw the ball more than any other Big Ten quarterback, he executes, with help from a deep receiving corps that has gotten a handful of players involved.
The Nittany Lions’ secondary was the defense’s most glaring question mark entering the year. There’s a reason they picked up transfer cornerbacks A.J. Harris and Jalen Kimber in the offseason. Harris and Kimber have both played solidly as the team’s starting corners in 2024, but now’s the time to prove their legitimacy against a relentless pass offense.
KEY TO VICTORY:
Explosive offense
It’s what held Penn State back last season. It’s why Mike Yurcich was fired and Kotelnicki was brought on. Explosiveness. The same question remains since the start of the year: can the Nittany Lions showcase an elite offensive attack against the teams that matter?
Quarterback Drew Allar has just about the same weapons as he had in 2023. Tight end Tyler Warren, as well as Singleton and fellow running backs Kaytron Allen are his offense’s top playmakers. With what has changed is the system, and if it works against the Trojans, Penn State could be looking at a clear lane to the College Football Playoff.
PREDICTION: Penn State 31, USC 21
