Five offensive keys for Penn State against USC

Penn State’s offense will hope the travel across the country won’t compound the seemingly increasing problem of starting games slowly. James Franklin is taking his team to California on Thursday to hopefully combat the travel woes and, ultimately, the slow starts that have plagued this team through five games.

The offense punted the ball on its first two drives against UCLA last week, only gaining 21 yards on nine plays. The Bruins are a far less superior defense than the one USC will put on the field this weekend, so a slow start might not be one Penn State could overcome. The Trojans defense is Lincoln Riley’s best unit since he took over the program in 2022. They are better at stopping the pass than the run and are tenth in the Big Ten in total defense.

This weekend against USC, Penn State should attack USC’s suspect run defense and below-average defensive line. PSU has also been one of the best offenses at converting on third downs, and that will be a significant factor this weekend against a USC defense that is very apt at getting off the field on third downs.

Here are five offensive keys for Penn State against USC:

Third down conversions

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Penn State’s offense has been close to unstoppable in converting third downs. The Nittany Lions convert at a 52.8% clip, which puts them seventh in the nation. On the other hand, USC’s third-down defense is sixth in the country, only giving up 26.3% of third-down conversions. Whatever unit can perform better on third downs will likely come out on top.

Stick with the running game

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USC gives up the second-most rushing yards per game in the Big Ten. Penn State’s offensive line is a big reason the offense can push the ball downfield and create holes for Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen. Singleton will likely be back in action this weekend, significantly boosting Penn State’s…