Penn State has a significant football game at USC Saturday afternoon.
If No. 4 PSU wins, it would almost guarantee a spot in the top three (No. 2 Ohio State plays No. 3 Oregon).
If Penn State loses, it makes things a lot more interesting— and not in a good way— as far as getting into the 12-team playoff goes.
Our staff at Nittany Sports Now gave its predictions. Now, it’s time to read what the national experts have to say.
Will Penn State win at USC?
BRIAN DOHN, 247Sports
This is interesting because it has implications for the College Football Playoff,” Doan wrote. “USC already dropped games to Michigan and Minnesota, and it is hard to imagine the Trojans getting into the playoff with three losses. Meanwhile, this begins an interesting stretch of games for the Nittany Lions, and a win puts them into a favorite role to get into the playoff. For me, it comes down to how well PSU runs the ball, and it should have success in doing so given its offensive line, and if Nick Singleton can be a workhorse.
PREDICTION: PSU 31, USC 24 (PSU -7, 55 total)
BILL BENDER, THE SPORTING NEWS
USC has two Big Ten losses after a stunner at Minnesota,” Bender wrote. “Can the Trojans slow down Penn State’s rushing attack? USC ranks 17th in the Big Ten in run defense, and Penn State will be content to hammer away with Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen against a run defense that has allowed 5.3 yards per carry in Big Ten play.
Miller Moss should be able to have success against the PSU secondary, and that cross-country thing is coming into play. Can the Nittany Lions pass the road test? A desperate USC team keeps it close, but Penn State survives.
Prediction: Penn State 28, USC 24
JD PicKell, ON3Sports
“PSU is definitely more aggressive and more physical based on recent weeks,” On3 wrote. “PicKell said that’s the difference as the Nittany Lions will win in the range of 31-23, covering the spread as well.”
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.PSU 31, Southern Cal 23
CBS SPORTS
Dennis Dodd: PSU (-5.5)
Tom Fornelli: Penn State (-5.5)
Chip Patterson: Penn State (-5.5)
Shehan Jeyarajah: Penn State (-5.5)
David Cobb: USC (ML)
Jerry Palm: PSU (-5.5)
Brandon Marcello (-5.5)
Richard Johnson: USC (+5.5), Penn State (ML)
