Chris Masse’s PSU-USC game breakdown
Chris Masse analyzes the matchups vs. Southern California
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Offense
Penn State: I said not to panic last week, but now we're at Defcon 2. Offense has produced one meaningful touchdown in six quarters. Rocco Becht looks like a poor man's Tom Bill; the running game is as effective as the Kardashians explaining physics and, without Koby Howard, the receivers look like the Jackson Five minus Michael. Other than that, all is well.
USC: Lincoln Riley is to defense what salt is to wounds, but he can coach offense. Trojans average 468 yards per game and a 25-point showing against Washington last week was its worst this year. In fact, they have topped 20 points in every game since late in 2024 season. QB Jayden Maiava is one of country's best, throwing for 5,455 yards last two years.
Advantage: USC
Defense
Penn State: After looking like the least to point a finger at after Wisconsin, the defense challenged offense to see who could be more inept. Northwestern is a nice team, but 418 rushing yards allowed is putrid. The tackling was as good as Carl Lewis singing the National Anthem; there is no pass rush and, from the looks of things, possibly no wins for a while.
USC: You know how to tell Lynn can coach? He made USC's defense respectable the last two years. Riley's teams are back to normal here, though, ranking in bottom five of Big 10 in yards and points allowed. Still, a unit which allowed 30 points against Louisiana did come up big after Washington went up 21-10 early in third quarter, not allowing another point.
Advantage: Penn State
Special teams
Penn State: You know it's bad when Ryan Barker misses a field goal. Nathan Tiyce had some good placement on his punts but still struggles to get much distance behind his kicks. Zay Robinson still is solid in the return game, and the way the offense is functioning, he might have to go full Devin Hester for the Lions to produce some points.
USC: Caden Chittenden struggled at times last year, missing seven field goals, but is 6 of 7 this season. Punter Lachlan Carrigan sounds like he should be a Soap Opera star but can boom it, averaging 49.3 yards on 10 punts, while placing half inside 20. PSU would be wise not to punt to Trent Mosley who leads Big 10 at 31.6 yards per return, taking one 86 yards to house.
Advantage: USC
Coaching and intangibles
Penn State: I like D'Anton Lynn a lot but he can't play or tackle. Matt Campbell deciding to go Iowa State 2.0 in the more rugged Big 10 about as good of an idea as Coke was changing its formula in the 80s. This is the guy, so Penn State fans are going to have to get used to it, but that doesn't mean they have to like it.
USC: Lincoln Riley is a good coach, but I always believed overrated. Defense often was optional in the Big 10 and while his unit remains effective, it is not the wagon his Oklahoma teams were ... in the regular season at least. That aside, he is 90-28 at both stops which is impressive, but has yet to take USC to next level.
Advantage: USC
Prediction record: 3-2
Prediction: USC is going to at least score in the 20s and matching just numbers feels like climbing Everest at this point for Penn State. The crowd helps some, but not enough. USC 28, Penn State 13