No. 19 USC Football Set To Brace ‘White Out’ Environment At Penn State For Primetime Showdown

WINTER IS COMING

* Two of college football’s blue bloods meet in Happy Valley, where the White Out awaits and the stakes are worthy of the Seven Kingdoms.

* The Trojans travel east for a battle between two storied programs, with USC and Penn State bringing generations of tradition, championship pedigree and national prominence to the same field.

* The White Out will bring the noise, but the Trojans have no intention of “bending the knee”.

* Winter is coming. The battle begins at 4:30 p.m. PT (7:30 p.m. ET) on NBC as the USC Trojans take on the Penn State Nittany Lions.

HOMECOMING HEROES

* No. 18 USC erased an 11-point second-half deficit to defeat Washington 25-21 and improve to 5-1 overall and 2-1 in Big Ten play.

* After falling behind 21-10 with 13:30 remaining in the third quarter, the Trojans scored the game’s final 15 points.

* USC held Washington scoreless over the final 28:30. The Huskies’ final four possessions ended with a fumble returned for a touchdown, two punts and a turnover on downs.

* USC controlled the ball for 34:58, nearly 10 minutes longer than Washington’s 25:02.

* The Trojans were a perfect 4-for-4 in the red zone, scoring two touchdowns and two field goals.

* Lincoln Riley holds a 16-7 record after a loss.

OFFENSE BY THE NUMBERS

* USC is averaging 37.3 points and 467.8 yards of total offense per game through the first six games of the season.

* USC is averaging 311.7 passing yards per game and has thrown 15 touchdown passes through six games.

* USC has recorded 88 passing first downs, 29 more than its opponents.

* The Trojans have converted 52.1% of their third-down attempts (37-of-71), while limiting their opponents to a 34.8% conversion rate (23-of-66).

* USC has also converted 10-of-14 fourth-down attempts for a 71.4% success rate.

* The Trojans have controlled the ball for an average of 33:16 per game—6:34 longer than their opponents’ average possession time.

* The Trojans have been particularly effective in the second quarter, outscoring their opponents 92-31. USC’s plus-61 second-quarter scoring margin is its largest in any period.

* USC has outscored its opponents 126-51 in the first half, a plus-75 scoring margin.

* USC has scored on 26-of-32 trips inside the red zone, including 21 touchdowns.

* USC leads the nation in first downs offense (152).

MAIAVA MAGIC

* The USC quarterback is a position unlike any other.

* This young man becomes a household name, an annual Heisman contender and is under the brightest spotlight. They are in a league of their own and comprise a historic fraternity of some of the best collegiate players in history.

* USC returns the nation’s best quarterback in redshirt senior Jayden Maiava.

* Maiava completed 21-of-34 passes for 245 yards and one touchdown.

* Maiava distributed his 21 completions among nine different receivers.

* With USC trailing 10-21 in the third quarter, Maiava engineered a 13-play, 75-yard drive that consumed seven minutes. He capped the possession with a 10-yard touchdown pass to WR Tanook Hines to close the point gap to 16-21.

* USC’s offensive line allowed just one sack on 34 pass attempts.

* Maiava leads the Big Ten in passing yards (1,744), passing TDs (15) and points responsible for (104).

* Maiava has accounted for 17 TDs through 6 games, throwing 15 and rushing for 2.

* Maiava’s opening six-game stretch compares favorably with the greatest quarterbacks in USC history. Through six games, Maiava has produced more passing yards and passing TDs than Carson Palmer, Matt Leinart and Caleb Williams did through the same point of their Heisman Trophy-winning seasons. Maiava’s 68.6 completion percentage and 168.1 passing efficiency rating are also the best among the group, while his 15 passing TDs are 1 more than Williams and Leinart and 6 more than Palmer recorded during their respective six-game starts.

* Maiava makes his throws count. He is No. 2 among USC career leaders in yards per attempt with 8.7 (min. 500 attempts at USC). He’s in good company in the stat – Caleb Williams sits at No. 1 with 9.2 yards per attempt, Matt Leinart is third with 8.6 and Sam Darnold holds the No. 4 spot with 8.5 yards per attempt.

* He is currently 10th on USC’s career total offense leader board with 6,854 total yards of offense as a Trojan.

* Maiava also ranks 13th on USC’s single season passing leader board with 265 completions in the 2025 season.

* He has been named to the Maxwell Award Watch List, the Walter Camp Player of the Year Award Watch List, the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award Watch List, the Davey O’Brien Award Watch List, the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Watch List and he was one of 12 total players from the Big Ten Conference to be named to the 2026 Big Ten Football Preseason Honors list.

* Maiava was also recently named a nominee for the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year, the Allstate AFCA Goodworks Team and to the Wuerffel Trophy watch list for his commitment to community service and leadership beyond the gridiron.

* With another year under offensive coordinator Luke Huard and Riley, who is the only head coach to tutor three Heisman Trophy winning quarterbacks, have 3 quarterbacks selected No. 1 overall in the NFL Draft and has the most No. 1 overall draft selections in the common draft era, Maiava is expected to continue to make large strides.

MAIAVA MAKES A DIFFERENCE

* As USC’s quarterback and a household name under one of football’s most prominent spotlights, Maiava remains deeply grounded in service, humility and community.

* Originally from Honolulu’s Pālolo Valley, Maiava never forgot where he came from or the struggles he overcame growing up. His experiences shaped an incredible servant’s heart and a genuine passion for mentoring children and uplifting underserved communities, especially his deep commitment to giving back to the community that helped shape him.

* Maiava consistently uses his platform to inspire hope, connection and opportunity for others. He embodies the spirit of ‘ohana: the value of family, connection and community.

* In June of 2026, he returned to Honolulu’s Pālolo Valley where he hosted a free youth football clinic for more than 350 local children ages 6 to 14, transforming a day of football instruction into a meaningful event centered on mentorship, inspiration and opportunity.

* Throughout the clinic, Maiava taught football fundamentals while emphasizing teamwork, perseverance and the importance of believing in yourself despite adversity, drawing from his own journey from the Pālolo Valley to the highest levels of the sport.

* Extending his impact beyond the field, proceeds from event t-shirt sales were donated to Aloha 1st Athletics, a local nonprofit dedicated to leadership, character development and mental health support through sports, reinforcing his commitment to investing in the next generation and strengthening the community that shaped him.

* Above all, Maiava encouraged attendees to lead with integrity, make a positive impact on those around them and pursue excellence in football, academics, faith and everyday life.

* On this same trip, Maiava continued his commitment to giving back by returning to his former high school, Kaimukī High, where he spoke to students not only as the USC quarterback but as someone who once walked the same halls with the same aspirations.

* Reflecting on his journey from serving as a Bulldogs ball boy and water boy to achieving his dream of wearing the Kaimukī jersey and competing at the highest level, Maiava shared an honest message about overcoming adversity, embracing opportunity and trusting God’s plan.

* He encouraged students to approach life with a “Fight On” mentality, emphasizing resilience, discipline, faith, accountability and the importance of supporting others through difficult times.

* Crediting his mother as his greatest inspiration, he also stressed the value of education and the life lessons football has taught him about leadership, perseverance and character.

* Maiava’s outreach continued at Jarrett Middle School, where he inspired more than 400 students through an interactive discussion focused on perseverance, personal responsibility and making positive choices, sharing his own experiences growing up in Pālolo Housing and encouraging students to embrace discipline over regret as they pursue their goals.

* He also visited Pālolo Elementary School, where he read with students, sang songs and created an engaging, uplifting environment that reflected his genuine commitment to mentorship and community.

* Together, these visits underscored Maiava’s dedication to empowering Hawaii’s youth through education, faith, service and authentic leadership, reinforcing his mission to invest in the communities that helped shape him.

* Beyond his work in Hawaii, Maiava has consistently dedicated his time to serving communities throughout Los Angeles, partnering with organizations focused on food insecurity, youth development and community outreach.

* He has volunteered multiple times with the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, helping sort and pack thousands of pounds of fresh produce for families in need, including supporting relief efforts for residents displaced by the January 2025 wildfires.

* Maiava has also demonstrated a strong commitment to addressing food insecurity through his service at the Dream Center and The Midnight Mission.

* Across three volunteer shifts at the Dream Center, he helped prepare and serve more than 1,300 meals for individuals experiencing food insecurity, while at The Midnight Mission he worked alongside staff to prepare and distribute meals to individuals and families seeking support, reflecting his hands-on approach to serving those most in need.

* In addition to his volunteer service, Maiava has invested in mentoring and empowering young people through organizations including the Boys & Girls Club, Angel City Sports’ Youth Weekend and The Young Shakespeareans.

* Whether coaching and encouraging local youth, participating in adaptive sports alongside children with physical disabilities or celebrating students’ achievements in the arts, he has consistently used his platform to promote inclusion, confidence, education and personal growth while building meaningful connections throughout the community.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING ABOUT MAIAVA

* Ken Niumatalolo, San José State Head Coach – “Jayden [Maiava] is a Heisman Trophy candidate.”

* Matt Entz, Fresno State Head Coach – “You see why their quarterback is a Heisman contender. He’s tremendously talented, has great understanding and great awareness of what’s going on.”

* Matt Leinart, Former USC Heisman Winning Quarterback and CBF Analyst – “He looks like a first round talent. He looks like a Heisman Trophy candidate.”

* Colin Cowherd, Host of the Herd – “Looks like a first round talent.”

* John Frascella, NFL Insider – “I’m a big Jayden Maiava guy. I just think he has natural quarterbacking instincts. Very fluid.”

CATCHING FIRE

* The USC aerial attack continues to be dominant with a wide variety of players making an impact on the field.

* USC WR Zacharyus Williams led the Trojans with career-high 78 receiving yards on a career-high 4 receptions, including a game-long 40-yard catch that set up USC’s second-quarter touchdown.

* Williams added a 23-yard reception on third-and-11 during USC’s third-quarter touchdown drive.

* WR Tanook Hines led USC with five receptions and recorded 51 receiving yards with one touchdown.

* Four of Hines’ five receptions resulted in either a first down or a touchdown.

* Hines caught a 10-yard touchdown pass to pull USC within 21-16 with 6:30 remaining in the third quarter.

* WR Ethan “Boobie” Feaster caught all three of his targets (a single-game career-high) for 26 yards, including a 12-yard reception during the fourth quarter.

* USC’s tight ends combined for four receptions and 42 yards.

* TE Carson Tabaracci recorded two receptions for a career-high 33 yards, including a 29-yard catch on USC’s fourth-quarter scoring drive.

* TE Tucker Ashcraft caught a 9-yard pass during the fourth-quarter scoring drive, while TE Taniela Tupou added one reception.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING ABOUT KAYDEN DIXON-WYATT

* Travis May, Editor of A to Z Sports NFL – “Kayden Dixon-Wyatt is a true freshman WR playing like a pro already”

* Kendell Hollowell, USC on SI – “Kayden Dixon-Wyatt is a STAR. He’s no ordinary freshman.”

* John Frascella, NFL Insider – “Meet Kayden Dixon-Wyatt… new USC stud wide receiver. Simply… electric”

* Bussin’ With The Boys – “Kayden Dixon-Wyatt is UNREAL”

* Kendell Hollowell, USC on SI – “When in doubt look for Kayden Dixon-Wyatt. The freshman receiver has been a reliable target for Jayden Maiava all season.”

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING ABOUT MARK BOWMAN

* David Pollack, College Football Analyst – “Had an SEC coach tell me he is the closest thing to Brock Bowers he has seen in recruiting. Mark Bowman. Get to know that name America!”

* Max Chadwick, College Football Analyst – “If Mark Bowman can block like this, he can be SPECIAL. His route-running ability is some of the best I’ve seen for a true freshman.”

* Ted Nguyen, The Athletic Senior Writer – “This Mark Bowman is a freak.”

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING ABOUT TANOOK HINES

* Brandon Walker, Barstool Sports – “Tanook Hines is a GROWN MAN”

* Andy Staples, On3 – “Tanook Hines said ‘Gimme that’ and turned an interception into a touchdown.”

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING ABOUT TRENT MOSLEY

* Ryan Dyrud, LA Football Network – “Trent Mosley is ELECTRIC. What a game-changer”

* Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times – “Trent Mosley has been absolutely electric so far today. Pretty clear why he’s been considered a likely starter for so long”

* Ryan Abraham, USCFootball.com – “Trent Mosley is a dude.”

* Benjamin Rover, OC Register – “Trent Mosley is going to be playing on Sundays for a long, long time.”

* Chris Trevino, WeAreSC.com – “Trent Mosley is inevitable”

* Kendell Hollowell, USC Trojans on SI – “Trent Mosley is not a star in the making, he is a STAR. The next great USC wide receiver.”

* Adam Rittenberg, ESPN – “Trent Mosley is a problem.”

* Paolo Uggetti, ESPN – “Trent Mosley is #good”

* Jake Butt, Big Ten Network CFB Analyst – “He’s going to be a weapon for years to come.”

* Bryan Fischer, Sports Illustrated – “Trent Mosley is the next one in cardinal and gold. Impressive start to the season after a great camp.”

* John Fanta, NBC Sports Broadcaster – “If you are not on the Trent Mosley bus, get on it before it’s too late. Just an insanely talented player.”

* Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times – “Trent Mosley might actually be superhuman. Will try to confirm.”

* Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times – “If Trent Mosley’s unbelievable 86-yard punt return for a touchdown doesn’t make him a Heisman candidate as a freshman, what else do you want?”

BACKS IN BUSINESS

* USC RB King Miller led the Trojans with 81 rushing yards on 18 carries and finished with a team-high 93 all-purpose yards.

* Miller recorded the game’s longest rushing play, breaking free for a 35-yard gain during USC’s opening possession.

* Miller leads USC with 493 rushing yards on 95 carries, averaging 5.2 yards per attempt.

* Miller has accounted for 521 all-purpose yards, the most by a Trojan this season.

* RB Waymond Jordan rushed 11 times for 36 yards and one touchdown, scoring on an 8-yard run in the second quarter.

* USC converted both of its fourth-down attempts, with RB Waymond Jordan moving the chains on each conversion.

* RB Riley Wormley caught three passes for a career-high 39 yards, including gains of 19 and 13 yards. He recorded a team-high 48 yards after the catch.

* RB Shahn Alston gained eight yards on his lone rushing attempt.

DEFENSE BY THE NUMBERS

* The Trojan defense held the Huskies scoreless over the final 28:30 after Washington had taken a 21-10 third-quarter lead.

* USC limited Washington to one conversion on 12 third-down attempts, an 8.3% conversion rate.

* The defense produced six tackles for loss, two quarterback hurries, two pass breakups, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery returned for a touchdown.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING ABOUT RILEY & PATTERSON

* Ken Niumatalolo, San José State Head Coach – “Gary’s one of the best defensive minds in all of college football. I’m good friends with him. We worked together in 1995 at the Naval Academy, so I’m very familiar with Gary. I was on the AFCA board with him for over a decade, so I know Gary Patterson very well. Smart call by Lincoln to hire him. They’re going to get people in trouble in the Big Ten, and that’s just their first game. And as they grow, they’re going to get better with Gary leading their defense. But Gary’s a phenomenal football coach. He’s a phenomenal culture builder, and a credit to Lincoln. To have the humility as a head coach, and the foresight to hire a Hall-of-Famer. A lot of coaches wouldn’t do that. They’re like, ‘No, I’m not going to hire a guy that caliber in my chair.’ But to his credit, Lincoln hired a guy that’s one of the best defensive minds of all time. The 4-2-5, he’s basically the pioneer and creator of that. A very phenomenal coach.”

THANOS’ ENDGAME

* USC DT Jahkeem Stewart made the defining play in USC’s comeback victory over Washington, recovering a fumble from a strip-sack made by LB Elijah Newby and returning it 48 yards for the go-ahead touchdown.

* With the Trojans trailing 16-21 late in the third quarter, the 6-foot-5, 295-pound sophomore scooped up the loose ball at the Washington 48 and took it the distance for his first collegiate touchdown, giving USC a lead it would not relinquish.

* Stewart also recorded a quarterback hurry in the second quarter that helped force a three-and-out, while his touchdown marked USC’s first fumble-recovery score since 2023 and the longest touchdown by a Trojan defensive lineman since 2025.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING ABOUT JAHKEEM STEWART

* Chris Trevino, WeAreSC.com – “THANOS IS INEVITABLE”

* Jeffrey Toobin, Opinion Writer & Author, New York Times – “Thanos — Jahkeem Stewart — is going to be a superstar in the NFL. Bookmark it.”

WAFLE HOUSE

* USC true freshman DE Luke Wafle delivered one of the best performances of his young career, recording five tackles, including four solo stops, a career-high 2.0 tackles for loss and one sack, his first as a Trojan.

* Wafle led the Trojans in tackles for loss and produced three tackles on Washington’s final possession, including a sack and another stop behind the line of scrimmage.

* With USC protecting a 25-21 lead, Wafle sacked Williams for a 2-yard loss during the Huskies’ final drive.

* After Washington later crossed midfield, Wafle stopped Williams for a 1-yard loss at the USC 30 before making another tackle on the following play.

* Wafle’s late-game disruption helped USC keep Washington out of the end zone.

* Wafle leads USC with 4.5 tackles for loss on the season, while his 22 tackles are the most among Trojan defensive linemen and third-most on the team.

* Wafle earned Big Ten Freshman of the Week for his performance against the Huskies.

* Wafle also was named one of On3’s True Freshman Standouts from Week 5.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING ABOUT LUKE WAFLE

* Ryan Dyrud, LA Football Network – “The Trojans have not had an EDGE player like Luke Wafle in, I don’t know, how long. Even the way he sets the edge and sheds blocks to take down the RB is just DIFFERENT”

* Aaron Taylor, College Football Analyst – “DL97 Jide Abasiri and DE94 Luke Wafle are gonna be a problem for people this year.”

* Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times – “I know Luke Wafle is a true freshman. And every game I re-remind myself this, and it still doesn’t seem true.”

SACK ATTACK

* The USC pass rush brought down Washington QB Demond Williams Jr. five times.

* USC recorded five sacks for 18 yards, with five different Trojans registering a sack.

* Four of USC’s five sacks came after halftime, including three in the fourth quarter.

* USC recorded two sacks on Washington’s final possession, including a third-down sack at the USC 12-yard line by DE Kameryn Crawford that helped force the game-deciding fourth-and-10.

* Crawford recorded two solo tackles, including a critical 6-yard sack with 50 seconds remaining.

LINEBACKERS – TACKLING THE TASK

* LB Deven Bryant, while playing his former team, finished with six solo tackles, tying for second on the team.

* LB Ta’Mere Robinson recorded a career-high six tackles, including four solo stops and a 5-yard sack, his first as a Trojan.

* LB Elijah Newby produced the game-changing takeaway, recording a strip-sack of Washington QB Demond Williams Jr. late in the third quarter. It was the first sack and forced fumble of his Trojan career.

DEFENSIVE BACKS HAVE IT COVERED

* S Christian Pierce led USC with nine tackles, all solo.

* S Alex Graham recorded three tackles, including a 4-yard sack.

* Graham’s sack came on third-and-14 in the fourth quarter and forced Washington to punt with USC protecting a four-point lead.

* Graham is tied for the team lead with 2.0 sacks through five appearances.

* S Prophet Brown recorded three tackles and the game-sealing pass breakup.

* On fourth-and-10 with 39 seconds remaining, Brown broke up Washington’s final pass in the end zone to secure USC’s victory.

* CB Elbert “Rock” Hill IV broke up a third-down pass during Washington’s second possession, forcing the Huskies to punt. It was his first PBU as a Trojan.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING ABOUT ALEX GRAHAM

* Kendell Hollowell, USC Trojans on SI – “Having Alex Graham in the lineup makes a big difference.”

* Chris Trevino, WeAreSC.com – “Alex Graham is the best tackler on the defense.”

THE AUSSIE ADVANTAGE

* USC P Lachlan Carrigan delivered a tremendous field-position performance in USC’s victory over Washington, averaging 49.8 yards on five punts with a long of 56 yards.

* His biggest punt came late in the first half, when he flipped the field with a 56-yard effort that was downed near the goal line and was officially placed at the Washington 1-yard line.

* With only 53 seconds remaining, the punt forced the Huskies to begin against their own goal line and effectively eliminated an opportunity to add to their halftime lead.

* Carrigan recorded three punts of at least 50 yards, placed two inside the 20 and limited Washington to 18 punt return yards.

* With USC protecting a four-point lead late in the fourth quarter, Carrigan pinned Washington at its own 5-yard line, even after his initial punt to the 1 was erased by penalty, forcing the Huskies to attempt to drive 95 yards on its final possession.

* Carrigan also served as the holder on USC’s two successful field goals and PAT.

* In 2026, Carrigan is averaging 49.3 yards on 10 punts, with five traveling at least 50 yards and five placed inside the opponent’s 20-yard line.

* Half of Carrigan’s punts have traveled at least 50 yards, and half have pinned opponents inside their own 20.

SPECIALISTS AT WORK

* USC K Caden Chittenden converted both of his field-goal attempts and his lone PAT, accounting for seven points.

* Chittenden connected from 26 yards on USC’s opening possession and made a Trojan career-long 39-yard field goal in the fourth quarter to establish the final 25-21 margin.

* Chittenden is USC’s leading scorer with 44 points. He is 6-of-7 on field-goal attempts and a perfect 26-of-26 on PATs.

* K Ryon Sayeri recorded touchbacks on five of his six kickoffs.

* WR Terrell Anderson returned four punts for 25 yards, including a long of 18 yards.

* S Trestin Castro recovered Anderson’s first-quarter muff at the USC 1-yard line, preventing a Washington takeaway.

RANKINGS

* USC is ranked 19th in the AP Poll and No. 17 in the USA Today Coaches Poll.

* Penn State is not ranked in the AP Poll or in the USA Today Coaches Poll.

SERIES

* USC is 6-5 all-time against Penn State.

IN OCTOBER

* USC has a 321-131-19 (.702) all-time record while playing in the month of October (not including 5 wins vacated due to NCAA penalty; revised record: 326-131-19, .705).

AT NIGHT

* USC is 203-83-4 (.707) at night, including 66-38 on the road. (Does not include 5 wins and 1 loss vacated due to NCAA penalty; original record: 208-84-4, .710 overall).

PENN STATE CONNECTIONS

* USC has 2 players from the state of Pennsylvania (LB Ta’mere Robinson and DE Zuriah Fisher), while Penn State has 3 players from the state of California (CB Daryus Dixon, DT Siale Taupaki and DT Keanu Williams).

* Penn State Defensive Coordinator D’Anton Lynn was USC’s Defensive Coordinator from 2024-25.

* USC LB Ta’Mere Robinson previously played for Penn State from 2023-24. He saw action in 17 games with a total of 13 tackles, including 1.5 for loss (with 0.5 sacks) for the Nittany Lions.

* USC DE Zuriah Fisher previously played for Penn State from 2020-25 totaling 41 tackles, including 7.0 for loss of 27 yards (with 5.5 sacks for minus 25 yards), 1 fumble recovery, 1 forced fumble, 1 PBU and 1 QB hurry for the Nittany Lions.

* USC CB Jontez Williams previously played under Penn State Head Coach Matt Campbell at Iowa State from 2022-25. He tallied 67 tackles, including 3.5 for loss of 5 yards, 10 PBUs and 5 INTs in 32 games with 19 starts. While at Iowa State, he played with 24 other players who are now at Penn State.

* USC WR Zacharyus Williams, USC QB Sam Huard and Penn State DT Dallas Vakalahi all previously played at Utah together in 2024.

* USC RB Waymond Jordan and Penn State WR Koby Howard are both from Pensacola, Fla.

* USC DT Jahkeem Stewart and Penn State WR Keith Jones Jr. both prepped at Edna Karr HS in New Orleans, La.

* USC LB Ta’Mere Robinson and Penn State DE Dayshaun Burnett are both from Pittsburgh, Pa.

* USC WR Kayden Dixon-Wyatt, USC TE Mark Bowman, USC LB Shaun Scott, USC TE Manoah Leiato, DT Tomuhini “Tom Tom” Topui Jr., USC TE Josiah Jefferson and Penn State CB Daryus Dixson all prepped at Mater Dei HS in Santa Ana, Calif.

* USC WR Romero Ison and Penn State OL Chimdy Onoh are both from Baltimore, Md.

* USC LB Elijah Newby and Penn State OL Owen Aliciene are both from Cheshire, Conn.

* USC CB Carrington Pierce and Penn State DT Armstrong Nnodim both previously played at Oklahoma State.

* USC OL Esun Tafa and Penn State DT Dallas Vakalahi are both from West Valley, Utah.

* USC RB Tyson Park, USC OL Breck Kolojay, USC OL Keenyi Pepe and Penn State DE Alexander McPherson all prepped at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla.

* USC DT Jordan Abarca, Penn State DT Siale Taupaki and Penn State DT Keanu Williams all previously played at UCLA.

PENN STATE SCOUTING REPORT

* Penn State enters the matchup 3-2 overall and 0-2 in Big Ten play following a 34-13 road loss to Northwestern. The Nittany Lions opened the season with three consecutive victories before falling to Wisconsin and Northwestern.

* Penn State trailed Northwestern 10-0 after the first quarter and 24-7 at halftime. The Nittany Lions were held scoreless in the third quarter and did not record their second TD until 7:53 remained in the game.

* The Nittany Lions are averaging 32.0 points and 400.0 yards of total offense per game, including 243.6 passing yards and 156.4 rushing yards.

* QB Rocco Becht leads the Penn State offense. He has completed 83-of-134 passes for 1,108 yards, 10 TDs and 3 interceptions while adding a rushing TD.

* Against Northwestern, Becht completed 26-of-41 passes for 243 yards, one TD and 2 interceptions. He also rushed seven times for 10 yards.

* WR Chase Sowell caught 5 passes for a team-high 68 yards against Northwestern, including a 16-yard TD reception in the fourth quarter.

* Penn State was limited to 48 rushing yards against Northwestern after averaging 183.5 rushing yards through its first four games. RB Carson Hansen scored the Nittany Lions’ lone rushing TD on an 8-yard run.

* The Nittany Lions converted 5-of-14 third-down attempts and their only fourth-down attempt against Northwestern. Penn State is converting 40% of its third downs and 50% of its fourth downs this season.

* Defensively, Penn State is allowing 16.0 points and 292.8 total yards per game. Opponents are averaging 119.6 passing yards and 173.2 rushing yards.

* The Nittany Lions have recorded 6 sacks and forced 9 turnovers this season, including 5 interceptions and 4 fumble recoveries.

* Northwestern recorded 506 yards of total offense against Penn State, including 413 rushing yards on 55 carries. The Wildcats averaged 7.5 yards per rushing attempt while controlling the ball for 36:05.

* LB Tony Rojas led Penn State with 12 tackles, including 3.5 for loss of 15 yards (with 1 sack for minus 9 yards) against Northwestern, while CB Josiah Zayas recovered a second-quarter fumble that led to Penn State’s first TD.

* Penn State has held opponents to a 23% conversion rate on third down this season. Opponents have converted 5-of-7 fourth-down attempts.

* The Nittany Lions have scored on 18-of-22 red-zone trips, with 12 of those possessions resulting in TDs. Penn State’s opponents have scored on 12-of-13 red-zone opportunities but have produced only 7 TDs.

* Penn State has committed 24 penalties for 236 yards, an average of 47.2 penalty yards per game. The Nittany Lions were penalized five times for 60 yards against Northwestern.

* P Nathan Tiyce is averaging 41.6 yards on 23 punts this season with a long of 60 yards. He has placed 8 punts inside the 20.

PENNSYLVANIA TROJANS

* In USC’s history, 18 football lettermen claim Pennsylvania as their hometown and attended school in the state before coming to Troy: FL Gene Arrington (Steelton/Harrisburg HS); S Gerald Bowman (Philadelphia/Imhotep HS); RT Mike Bundra (Catasaugua/Catasaugua HS); RG Tom Chantilles (York/Penn HS); QB Ben Charles (Lancaster/Catholic HS); C Joe Chuha (Johnstown/Johnstown HS); LHB Angelo Coia (Philadelphia/North East Philadelphia HS); LT Dan Ficca (Atlas/Mt. Carmel HS); DE Zuriah Fisher (Aliquippa/Aliquippa HS/Penn State); OT-OG Michael Gaytan (Malvern/Great Valley HS); LB Eric Gentry (Philadelphia/Saints Neumann Goretti); QB Jim Jones (Harrisburg/Harris HS); QB Ellsworth Kissinger (York/Penn HS); LB Ta’Mere Robinson (Pittsburgh/Brashear HS/Penn State); LG Jim Samuel (Quakertown/Quakertown HS); DT Delvon Simmons (McKeesport/McKeesport HS); C Jack Trier (Lancaster/Catholic HS); and FB Patrick West (Burgettstown HS and U. of Pittsburgh).