LOS ANGELES – In studying fourth-ranked Penn State, Southern Cal defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn knew right away what makes the Nittany Lions tick on offense. Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen clearly made an impression on Lynn, the former Penn State defensive back. “They’re two of the better backs we’re going to play all year,” he said. “They run hard. They’re downhill. They have the ability to score at any point in time. They make plays out of the backfield in the passing game. “Anytime you have backs who can do as much as their backs do, it’s tough on a defense.” The Lions (2-0 Big Ten, 5-0) will rely on Singleton, Allen and their powerful offensive and defensive lines against the Trojans (1-2, 3-2) Saturday at 3:30 (TV-CBS) at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Penn State running back Kaytron Allen looks to elude UCLA defensive back K.J. Wallace (7) during the Nittany Lions’ 27-11 win last week. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger) Coach James Franklin has sought to make Penn State a physical team over the last few years. And the Lions are this year, ranking 19th nationally in rushing (217.8 yards per game) and fourth against the run (76.2). USC, on the other hand, ranks 78th in rushing (149.6) and 86th against the run (158.6). Michigan had runs of 53, 41 and 63 yards and finished with 290 on the ground in a 27-24 win over the Trojans. Minnesota rushed for 193 last week in a 24-17 victory over USC. The Trojans again will be without linebacker Eric Gentry, who sustained an injury two weeks ago against Wisconsin. He leads them in tackles, tackles for loss and sacks. “We have to play a better game up front certainly than we did against Minnesota,” USC coach Lincoln Riley said. “That’ll be incredibly important. We have to do a great job with our second-level guys and our third-level guys, of getting ball-carriers on the ground and making sure that if they do have a great run, it’s an 8-yard or a 9-yard gain. “That’ll be critically important.” Singleton is expected to return after missing last week’s home win over UCLA with a leg injury. He ranks fifth nationally with 7.70 yards per carry and can score from anywhere. He’s fourth in the Big Ten in rushing with 102.0 yards per game and second in all-purpose yards (139.5). Allen, who has terrific patience and vision, has run for 367 yards and two TDs. “Nick and Kaytron are a great 1-2 combo,” quarterback Drew Allar said. “I think they’re the best in the country, especially with the way they’ve been playing. We’re going to rely on them every game to help us set the tone.” On defense, Penn State has been dominant except for the first half against Bowling Green. The Lions have held 4-of-5 opponents to 12 points or less. Their strong pass rushers have pressured quarterbacks all season. That poses a problem for USC, which has struggled to protect quarterback Miller Moss. Minnesota frequently pressured Moss with a three-man rush. Penn State’s defense has been especially stingy in the second half, not allowing a point in the third quarter. “There’s something about being resilient as a group,” safety Jaylen Reed said. “That’s something we pride ourselves on.” The last time the Lions and Trojans met, USC won 52-49 in the thrilling 2017 Rose Bowl. In its last trip to Southern California, Penn State beat Utah 35-21 in the 2023 Rose Bowl. “The Rose Bowl was something different,” Reed said. “I just feel like this is the next game. It’s just another opportunity to go 1-0.” Rich Scarcella’s pick Penn State 24, USC 20 All the numbers are in the Nittany Lions’ favor, except that Big Ten teams are 1-8 this year when they cross two time zones. Penn State has the better offensive and defensive lines, which is where most games are decided. The Lions win a tight game to stay undefeated.