Penn State fans might want to pay attention to this one.
After yesterday’s 34-12 win at West Virginia, Penn State will be heavily favored to win its next four games (Bowling Green, Kent State, Illinois and UCLA, all at home).
So barring something crazy, PSU will be unbeaten come Oct. 12 when it takes on USC in the Coliseum.
If Week 1 is any indication, the “Men of Troy” will be a tough out.
A 13-yard touchdown run by Woody Marks with eight seconds left put No. 23 USC ahead 27-20 over No. 13 LSU, and that ended up going final moments later. Coach Lincoln Riley and his squad figure to shoot up at least into the top 15 of the first batch of rankings, which are scheduled to be released Tuesday afternoon.
WOODY MARKS!!!!!!!! USC TOUCHDOWN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/c0CWXh47zt
— Mr Matthew CFB (@MrMatthew_CFB) September 2, 2024
Although Penn State’s defense again figures to be one of America’s best, Miller Moss could be a problem.
The USC QB completed 27 of 36 passes for 378 yards and a touchdown, looking like a worthy successor to Heisman Trophy Winner and No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams.
Beautiful ball by Miller Moss
Perfect execution on the free play
— Brendan Moore (@bmoorecfb) September 2, 2024
Moss also had plenty of help from his receivers.
Led by Kyron Hudson (five catches, 83 yards), four USC receivers had at least 50 yards. Three who didn’t get to 50– Duce Robinson, Kyle Ford and Makai Lemon— all had receptions of 22 yards or longer. Marks led the way rushing with 68 yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries (4.3 YPC).
Although Penn State fans would be justified to have concerns about USC, this upset could well help PSU.
If Penn State doesn’t win the Big Ten, having quality wins would help greatly in receiving an at-large bid to the expanded 12-team playoff. As of now, USC looks like a quality opponent.
