White Out week is finally here, and while it may not hold the same level of intrigue as it did a couple weeks ago, it is always a spectacle in State College. Penn State will be hosting the specialty game against a new opponent this year, taking on the USC Trojans for the first time since 2024.
That last meeting also coincided with the year the Trojans joined the Big Ten, meaning these two teams don’t have a ton of history with each other. USC holds a narrow 6-5 lead in the series, although the Nittany Lions got the last laugh two years ago in their run to the College Football Playoff. However, that was their only win this century against USC, so they haven’t had much success as of late.
One thing that jumps off the page when looking at this all-time
series is the offensive firepower. There have been over 60 combined points scored in each of the last three matchups, so we could be headed for a shootout this weekend.
Penn State quarterback Drew Allar was the star of the game in 2024, throwing for 391 yards and two touchdowns in the game. He did have three interceptions to his tally as well, but he did enough to keep his team ahead, and the Nittany Lions picked up a 33-30 victory.
These two teams are headed in very different directions this year, with Penn State in free fall right now, and the Trojans in the mix for the playoff. For that reason, it would be a welcome sight if this weekend’s game went anything like the one a couple years ago.
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This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Penn State looking to steady the ship against USC
