- Match-up: USC Trojans vs Penn State Nittany Lions
- Event Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026
- Venue: Beaver Stadium, University Park, PA
- Broadcast: NBC
- Betting Odds: Nittany Lions favored by 1.5 points
- Over/Under Total: 54.5 points
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On Saturday, October 10, 2026, the USC Trojans (5-1) will travel to Beaver Stadium to challenge the Penn State Nittany Lions (3-2). The Trojans enter the game as 1.5-point underdogs, with the total set at 54.5.
This season, the USC Trojans boast a record of 5-1. In their most recent outing, they secured a victory against the Washington Huskies, winning 25-21. During that game, they executed 69 plays, accumulating a total of 360 offensive yards. The Trojans rushed 35 times for 115 yards, averaging 3.3 yards per carry. On the defensive side, USC allowed 116 yards on 33 rushing attempts, which translates to an average of 3.5 yards per run. They also conceded 16 completions on 27 attempts for 203 passing yards, achieving a completion percentage of 59.3%.
In terms of scoring, the USC Trojans have averaged 37.3 points per game this season. They have rushed for an average of 156.2 yards per game, ranking 74th nationally. USC has generated a total of 2,807 yards thus far. The Trojans have found the end zone 15 times through the air and 11 times on the ground, accumulating 152 first downs while incurring 41 penalties for 365 yards. Additionally, they have turned the ball over 6 times this season.
Regarding their defensive performance, USC has surrendered 1,384 passing yards, placing them 132nd in Division 1. They are allowing 230.7 passing yards per game with a completion percentage against of 63.2%. Overall, their defense allows an average of 348.8 yards per game, which ranks 68th in Division 1. USC has given up 10 touchdowns in passing and 10 in rushing. Opposing teams are averaging 3.9 yards per rushing attempt, totaling 118.2 rushing yards per game, with the Trojans allowing a total of 709 rushing yards over 6 games. Their defense ranks 89th nationally, allowing 25.5 points per game.
The Nittany Lions enter this matchup with a 3-2 record for the season. In their last game, they faced a setback, losing 34-13 to the Northwestern Wildcats. Penn State allowed 55 rushing attempts for an astounding 413 yards (7.5 yards per rush). The secondary struggled, yielding a 71.4% completion rate by the opposition, giving up 93 yards on 10 completions out of 14 attempts. The Nittany Lions recorded 291 total offensive yards on 63 plays, averaging 4.6 yards per play, and managed only 48 rushing yards on 22 carries, averaging 2.2 yards per attempt.
As for scoring, the Nittany Lions rank 63rd in Division 1, averaging 32.0 points per game. They are also accumulating 400.0 yards per game, placing them 63rd nationally. However, Penn State has incurred 236 yards in penalties over 24 infractions, ranking them 116th in helping opponents. They have thrown 3 interceptions and yet have not allowed any fumbles. This season, Penn State has secured 105 first downs while accumulating 1,218 passing yards, averaging 243.6 yards through the air, which ranks 57th in college football. They also average 156.4 rushing yards per game with a total of 782 rushing yards.
The Nittany Lions have allowed a total of 866 rushing yards (173.2 yards per game) along with 7 rushing touchdowns this season. In the passing game, they have conceded 2 touchdowns and 119.6 yards per game, ranking them surprisingly well at 3rd nationally. This season, they’ve given up 80 total points and have managed 4 fumble recoveries and 5 interceptions. Penn State’s defense has participated in 307 plays, positioning them 63rd in Division 1. They are only allowing 16.0 points per game, ranking them 25th nationally.
Who will emerge victorious in this anticipated Trojans vs Nittany Lions college football battle?
Prediction: Back the Nittany Lions -1.5
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