Penn State and No. 19 USC enter Saturday night’s White Out showdown at Beaver Stadium with significant injury concerns, including two players who could impact the matchup on opposite sides of the football.
Penn State linebacker Alex Tatsch and USC tight end Mark Bowman headline the questionable designations on the Big Ten’s initial availability report released Wednesday evening.
Tatsch has emerged as an important rotational contributor for Penn State’s defense, recording 11 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, one sack and a forced fumble through four appearances this season.
His availability carries additional importance with linebacker Cam Smith already ruled out. Penn State’s defensive depth has been tested, particularly after surrendering 413 rushing yards in last Friday’s 34-13 loss at Northwestern.
USC faces uncertainty surrounding Bowman, a highly regarded freshman who has quickly established himself as a reliable target in Lincoln Riley’s offense.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.Bowman has recorded 21 receptions for 204 yards and two touchdowns through five appearances. He missed USC’s 25-21 victory over Washington last weekend and remains questionable with an undisclosed injury.
Penn State defensive tackle Armstrong Nnodim is also questionable, while USC lists defensive tackles Jahkeem Stewart and Jide Abasiri among six questionable players.
The Nittany Lions will again be without leading receiver Koby Howard, who remains sidelined.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC, with Penn State seeking its first Big Ten victory under Matt Campbell.
