FOOTBALL — 2024-2025
USC vs. Penn State — as it happened
Last updated:
Scoring plays
Win probability
Robert Westermann / Daily Trojan
📌 PINNED
Leila MacKenzie from Los Angeles, California; photos by Braden Dawson and Robert Westermann.
The Trojans host No. 4 Penn State after being knocked out of the AP Top 25.
We’re reporting live from the L.A. Memorial Coliseum as USC looks to get back into the win column and contention for the College Football Playoff. Refresh to see new updates.
Some pregame context:
- The last time USC played Penn State at the Coliseum was over 30 years ago. The two teams have only played each other 10 times with a 101-point shootout in 2017 being their last matchup.
- Redshirt senior running back Woody Marks earned 134 ground yards and a touchdown against Minnesota last week. Marks will face the Nittany Lions’ No. 4 rushing defense today which allows just 2.47 yards per rush.
- After USC fell to the unraked Golden Gophers, columnists Stefano Fendrich and Thomas Johnson debated whether or not Head Coach Lincoln Riley’s job is at risk this season.
SCORE: USC – 30 Penn State – 30
The game at a glance:
- Field Goal Nittany Lions. Q1 4:43
- TOUCHDOWN TROJANS. Q1 4:38, Joyner. KICK GOOD.
- TOUCHDOWN TROJANS. Q2 13:33, Moss to Joyner. KICK GOOD.
- FIELD GOAL TROJANS. Q2 10:05
- Field Goal Nittany Lions. Q2 2:46
- FIELD GOAL TROJANS. Q2 :07
- Touchdown Nittany Lions. Q3 12:52, Allar to Warren. Kick Good.
- Touchdown Nittany Lions. Q3 4:42, Allen. Kick Good.
- FIELD GOAL TROJANS. Q3 :28
- Field Goal Nittany Lions. Q4 10:50
- TOUCHDOWN TROJANS. Q4 5:56, Moss to Hudson. KICK GOOD.
- Touchdown Nittany Lions. Q4 2:53, Allar to Singleton. Kick Good.
4:14 p.m.
Leila MacKenzie, Sports Editor
Lantz’s field goal missed wide left after he converted three of three in regulation.
4:13 p.m.
Leila MacKenzie, Sports Editor
Two incompletions and a horrid rushing attempt later, the Trojans are lining up for a 45-yard field goal attempt to start overtime.
4:10 p.m.
Leila MacKenzie, Sports Editor
Penn State wins the coin toss and elects to begin on defense.
4:08 p.m.
Leila MacKenzie, Sports Editor
Here comes overtime. Allar threw up a hail mary to end regulation and it was intercepted.
4:04 p.m.
Leila MacKenzie, Sports Editor
Interception, Nittany Lions ball
For a moment, it looked like Riley was interested in overtime as he let the clock drain near midfield. Penn State took note and called a timeout. The Trojans lined back up with Moss alone behind the center, then he fired an interception. Four seconds remain.
4:01 p.m.
Leila MacKenzie, Sports Editor
Ouch. Marks is wrapped up at the line of scrimmage for a loss of two yards. The clock is ticking inside the final minute and the Trojans face second down at midfield.
3:57 p.m.
Leila MacKenzie, Sports Editor
It is the two-minute mark and USC is tied at 30 with Penn State.
To notch a victory, the Trojans will have to do two things: move the ball and manage the clock.
3:55 p.m.
Leila MacKenzie, Sports Editor
Touchdown Nittany Lions
Penn State capitalized on a defensive lapse when junior running back Nicholas Singleton completed a 14-yard touchdown reception after being left alone on the right side of the field.
3:51 p.m.
Leila MacKenzie, Sports Editor
The drive continues for Penn State after Allar scrambles around and connects with senior wide receiver Julian Fleming for 16 yards.
3:49 p.m.
Leila MacKenzie, Sports Editor
That is defense. Penn State is preparing to go for fourth down after a slick pass defended by redshirt safety Kamari Ramsey.
3:48 p.m.
Leila MacKenzie, Sports Editor
Although the Coliseum is far from full and fans fitfully clap at the wrong moments, the stadium is swelling with enthusiasm as the Trojans appear well-positioned for an upset victory over No. 4 Penn State. It is third-and-long for the Nittany Lions at the Trojans’ 39-yard line.
3:39 p.m.
Leila MacKenzie, Sports Editor
TOUCHDOWN TROJANS
Moss hit Hudson in stride as he crossed the center of the endzone. The five-yard completion gives USC the lead again with 5:56 minutes remaining.
The 4:54-minute drive consisted of nine plays for 75 yards.
3:38 p.m.
Leila MacKenzie, Sports Editor
What elegance. Sophomore wide receiver Duce Robinson spun around for a 25-yard reception, setting up first-and-goal for the Trojans.
3:30 p.m.
Leila MacKenzie, Sports Editor
Field Goal Nittany Lions
It’s knotted at 23 apiece after Penn State shoed in a 20-yard field goal.
3:24 p.m.
Leila MacKenzie, Sports Editor
Warren is still an issue. The Nittany Lions’ tight end hauled down his 15th reception of the day to put Penn State at USC’s nine-yard line.
3:15 p.m.
Leila MacKenzie, Sports Editor
It worked. The ball split the poles. USC is leading again, but this time it is 23-20.
3:13 p.m.
Leila MacKenzie, Sports Editor
Throwing off his back foot, Moss could not get the ball to sophomore wide receiver Zachariah Branch. As a result, Lantz will attempt a 39-yard field goal.
3:10 p.m.
Leila MacKenzie, Sports Editor
INTERCEPTION, TROJANS BALL
Perhaps the Trojans will not dig their own grave this week. Penn State has scored 14 unanswered points this quarter, but the score is tied and senior linebacker Easton Mascarenas-Arnold just picked off Allar at the Penn State 24-yard line.
3:07 p.m.
Leila MacKenzie, Sports Editor
USC struggles to maintain any offensive progress and punts to Penn State.
3:04 p.m.
Leila MacKenzie, Sports Editor
The Trojans are getting antsy. Moss barely avoided an unnecessary interception deep in Trojan territory as Penn State has out gained USC by 123 yards this quarter.
3:00 p.m.
Leila MacKenzie, Sports Editor
Touchdown Nittany Lions
A one-yard carry up the middle by junior running back Kaytron Allen set up the game-tying PAT for Penn State. The eight-play, 90-yard and 4:34-minute drive featured three completions over 15-yards. Allar has completed 76.9% of his 26 passes for 279 yards.
2:55 p.m.
Leila MacKenzie, Sports Editor
Traversing midfield unattended, junior wide receiver Harrison Wallace III grabbed a 25-yard pass.
2:49 p.m.
Leila MacKenzie, Sports Editor
Head Coach Lincoln Riley called a rush on third-and-long which unsurprisingly, led to a punt. Penn State will take over on its 10-yard line.
2:48 p.m.
Leila MacKenzie, Sports Editor
A 42-yard completion to sophomore wide receiver Duce Robinson was nullified due to a holding. Then, the Trojans committed a false start. USC faces a third and 26 at its 39-yard line.
2:45 p.m.
Leila MacKenzie, Sports Editor
The Trojans have not lost their momentum. Sophomore wide receiver Makai Lemon whipped out the vertical for a 30-yard completion. USC is at the Penn State 45-yard line.
2:40 p.m.
Leila MacKenzie, Sports Editor
Touchdown Nittany Lions
Things have changed. In 2:08 minutes, Head Coach James Franklin and the Nittany Lions orchestrated a touchdown drive. Allar connected with Warren at the center entrance to the endzone for a 32-yard score. USC is up 20-13.
2:38 p.m.
Leila MacKenzie, Sports Editor
The third frame is underway and halftime adjustments are already on full display. Allar is airing out passes with ease and the Nittany Lions are in Trojan territory.
2:21 p.m.
Leila MacKenzie, Sports Editor
Upset Alert !!
The No. 4 Nittany Lions were 3.5-point favorites against unranked USC, but the Trojans are up 20-6 at halftime.
USC is out-rushing Penn State 147 yards to 71 while the Nittany Lions’ past opponents averaged 76.2 rushing yards per game.
Moss hasn’t had to do anything fancy but his quick throws are proving effective; he has completed 71.4% of his passes for 101 yards and a touchdown.
Penn State is dominating possession with a 5:38 minute differential. And tight end Tyler Warren has been a problem for the Trojan defense. Warren has nine receptions for 98 yards so far.
2:10 p.m.
Leila MacKenzie, Sports Editor
FIELD GOAL TROJANS
Lantz sent a 47-yard field goal through the uprights and USC will likely head into halftime with a 20-6 lead of No. 4 Penn State.
2:06 p.m.
Leila MacKenzie, Sports Editor
USC is backed up 15 yards after freshman tight end Walker Lyons is called for a low block.
2:04 p.m.
Leila MacKenzie, Sports Editor
Have you heard? Have you heard? Woody Marks is fast.
Moss dumped a screen to Marks who zig-zagged for a 33-yard gain. The Trojans are on Penn State’s 33-yard line inside the final two minutes of the half.
1:59 p.m.
Leila MacKenzie, Sports Editor
Field Goal Nittany Lions
It’s still a two-possession game, but Penn State had no problem hitting a 34-yard field goal to cut the Trojans’ lead to 11.
1:57 p.m.
Leila MacKenzie, Sports Editor
The Penn State field goal unit is on the field as the Trojans’ pass protection forced a fourth down inside the red zone.
1:55 p.m.
Leila MacKenzie, Sports Editor
Allar elected to keep the ball and rushed for a gain of 19 yards. The Nittany Lions have a first down on the Trojans’ 15-yard line.
1:52 p.m.
Leila MacKenzie, Sports Editor
This time, USC goes three-and-out. Penn State takes over with 5:58 left in the second frame at its 21-yard line.
1:45 p.m.
Leila MacKenzie, Sports Editor
Penn State punts again. Redshirt senior safety Akili Arnold smothered Warren behind the chains. The Nittany Lions were unable to reach midfield and now, USC has another opportunity to extend its lead prior to half.
1:40 p.m.
Leila MacKenzie, Sports Editor
FIELD GOAL TROJANS
After the interception, USC couldn’t find much traction. Redshirt senior kicker Michael Lantz finished the Trojans’ four-play, -2-yard mini-drive with a 45-yard field goal. USC still has a two-possession lead over the Nittany Lions.
1:36 p.m.
Leila MacKenzie, Sports Editor
INTERCEPTION, TROJANS BALL
Allar had bold aspirations on third down. He lofted a pass over the middle and Freshman linebacker Desman Stephens II awaited Allar’s lob over middle field and leaped to pick it off. Stephens II returned the interception for 42 yards, setting up the Trojans’ next drive in Penn State territory.
1:31 p.m.
Leila MacKenzie, Sports Editor
Here they go again. The Nittany Lions begin their third drive at their 25-yard line.
1:28 p.m.
Leila MacKenzie, Sports Editor
TOUCHDOWN TROJANS
Braden Dawson / Daily Trojan
Redshirt junior quarterback Miller Moss connected with Joyner on a quick short pass for a 9-yard score. The touchdown completed an 89-yard and 3:16-minute drive to put USC up 14-3.
1:26 p.m.
Leila MacKenzie, Sports Editor
Move those chains! Redshirt senior running back Woody Marks broke left for a 28-yard gain, setting up first and goal for USC.
1:24 p.m.
Leila MacKenzie, Sports Editor
At first glance, it looked like another slow start for USC. It punted after its first five plays before allowing Penn State to stroll to the red zone. But here at the end of the first frame, the Trojans are up 7-3, looking alive and winning the yardage battle thus far.
1:20 p.m.
Leila MacKenzie, Sports Editor
Allar looks uncomfortable in the pocket as the Trojans force a short fourth down near midfield. After lining up to go for it, the Nittany Lions were called for a false start; they punted to the USC 11-yard line.
1:05 p.m.
Leila MacKenzie, Sports Editor
TOUCHDOWN TROJANS
That looked easy. On USC’s first play of the drive, redshirt freshman running back Quinten Joyner burst left for 75 yards to the end zone. The Trojans are now up 7-3.
1:00 p.m.
Leila MacKenzie, Sports Editor
Field Goal Nittany Lions.
On 4th & Goal from the two-yard line, Allar dumped a touchdown pass to senior tight end Tyler Warren. The score was called back due to offensive pass interference and on the following play, Penn State drilled an easy 34-yard field goal.
12:58 p.m.
Leila MacKenzie, Sports Editor
Cruising.
Penn State is in the red zone as it is having no problem plowing through the Trojans’ defense. Junior quarterback Drew Allar is 5-5 passing for 61 yards and the Nittany Lions’ backfield is averaging four yards per rush.
12:45 p.m.
Leila MacKenzie, Sports Editor
Senior punter Eddie Czaplicki feet are magical. After Penn State forced a fourth down before the Trojans reached midfield, Czaplicki booted a 49-yard punt that was downed at the Nittany Lions’ 11-yard line.
12:42 p.m.
Leila MacKenzie, Sports Editor
Nothing big has happened yet, but the Trojans are organizing some early movement. A dangerous 14-yard pass to redshirt junior wide receiver Kyron Hudson moved the chains for the first time today.
12:39 p.m.
Leila MacKenzie, Sports Editor
“You’ve got to let ’em hear it,” said Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold to fans of his alma mater as he led the Trojans out of the tunnel.
Braden Dawson / Daily Trojan
USC faces No. 4 Penn State now. The Trojans will receive the opening kickoff.
12:13 p.m.
Leila MacKenzie, Sports Editor
This Big Ten bout begins in less than 10 minutes.
Braden Dawson / Daily Trojan
USC is coming off a road loss to unranked Minnesota and has since been booted from the AP Top 25. Redshirt junior wide receiver Kyron Hudson and the Trojan receiving core will need a strong outing as USC’s ground attack faces the No. 4 rushing defense in the nation.
12:13 p.m.
Leila MacKenzie, Sports Editor
Less than 30 minutes before kickoff, fans are only beginning to trickle into the Coliseum. Regardless, the Nittany Lions were welcomed with roaring boos as they exited the tunnel for pre-game warmups.
