Penn State football team’s report card vs. USC
Oct 12, 2024
Quarterbacks
B: Aside from his career-high 391 passing yards and three interceptions, Drew Allar delivered in the clutch on a game-tying drive in the fourth quarter.
Running backs
C: USC designed its defense to stop the run and the Trojans held Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton to a combined 82 yards on 26 carries.
Receivers
B: Yes, Tyler Warren had a spectacular performance and Julian Fleming made two huge catches, but the wideouts dropped several passes.
Offensive linemen
B: It’s hard to criticize the linemen when their offense gained 518 total yards and their quarterback wasn’t sacked.
Defensive linemen
B: Dani Dennis-Sutton, Zane Durant and Abdul Carter made their presence felt and pressured Miller Moss several times.
Linebackers
B: Kobe King had a team-high seven tackles, but USC’s Woody Marks avoided several tackles at the second level.
Defensive backs
B: Jaylen Reed stopped USC’s drive late in the fourth quarter with an interception, and Cam Miller, Zion Tracy and Elliot Washington II had pass break-ups.
Special teams
A: Ryan Barker made four field goals, including his game-winning 36-yarder in overtime. The Lions contained dangerous returner Zachariah Branch.
Coaches
A: James Franklin picked up one of the three best road wins in his Penn State tenure, and new coordinators Andy Kotelnicki and Tom Allen earned their keep.