Overview
No. 19 USC faced Penn State in a closely contested game, seeking an important road victory. The match kicked off at 4:30 p.m. PDT and was broadcast on NBC and Peacock.
Final Quarter Drama
USC led Penn State 24-23 with 14:52 remaining in the fourth quarter. A key defensive stand limited Penn State to a field goal after Penn State’s Rocco Becht missed a third-and-five conversion from the USC 7-yard line. Ryan Barker successfully kicked a 26-yard field goal to narrow the gap.
End of Third Quarter
Penn State trailed 24-20 at the close of the third quarter. The Nittany Lions began at their 25-yard line after a touchback. Becht executed a mix of passing and running to drive the team into Trojan territory before time expired.
USC’s Decisive Touchdown Drive
In the third quarter, with 5:38 left, USC executed an efficient touchdown drive. Jayden Maiava completed a pass to Trent Mosley for 20 yards, followed by successful runs from King Miller and Waymond Jordan. Maiava eventually connected with Mosley again, leading to a crucial touchdown. Caden Chittenden’s extra point extended the lead.
Third Quarter Opener
A surprise onside kick from USC set the stage for Penn State’s early field goal. The Lions capitalized, with Carson Hansen and Becht’s passing putting Penn State in range for a Barker 35-yard field goal, momentarily tying the game.
Tie at Halftime
At halftime, the game stood tied 17-17, thanks to a last-second field goal from Penn State’s Barker. Lincoln Riley, USC’s coach, emphasized the need to limit explosive plays during his halftime interview.
Second Quarter Exchanges
USC had previously taken the lead through a field goal. The Trojans’ Maiava found Trent Mosley for large gains to position USC for a Caden Chittenden field goal. Earlier, USC’s defense forced a Penn State punt, holding strong against the Lions’ passing attack.
First Quarter Highlights
The first quarter ended tied 7-7, with both teams exchanging scores. USC opened with a dynamic drive featuring key plays from Maiava and King Miller, resulting in a touchdown to Mosley. Penn State quickly answered with an impressive sequence, culminating with Becht connecting for a touchdown pass to tie the game.