The No. 4 Penn State Nittany Lions (5-0) meet a fellow Big Ten opponent when they visit the USC Trojans (3-2) on Saturday, October 12, 2024 at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

The Nittany Lions are favored, but by less than a touchdown (-3.5), against the Trojans. The over/under for this game is 50.5 points.

Keep reading for our preview for this this matchup between the Nittany Lions and the Trojans, and find all of our expert predictions here, too!

Penn State vs. USC betting lines

• Spread favorite: Nittany Lions (-3.5)
• Moneyline: Nittany Lions (-177), Trojans (+146)
• Total: 50.5 points
• TV Channel: CBS
• Live Stream: Fubo (Watch for free)

Penn State vs. USC betting info and stats

Penn State, in five games with a spread this season, is 2-3-0 against the spread. Penn State has covered the spread two times when the favorite by at least 3.5 points (a 2-3 ATS record). In five games as the moneyline favorite, Penn State is 5-0. USC has three wins against the spread this season (3-2-0). In the one game USC has been an underdog by at least 3.5 points this season, it has covered the spread. USC has played a game as an underdog on the moneyline one time this season, and won that game.

Penn State vs. USC recent stats and trends

Penn State Nittany Lions

• Penn State is 1-2 against the spread in its past three games, and has a 3-0 straight-up record in those matchups.
• In all three of those games, the final combined score fell short of the set total.
• The past three Penn State games averaged 0.7 more points (51.2) than this matchup’s point total.

USC Trojans

• USC is 1-2 against the spread over its past three games, and has a 3-0 straight-up record in those contests.
• In two of those three games, the final combined score has surpassed the set total.
• The past three USC games averaged 3.8 fewer points (46.7) than this matchup’s point total.

Penn State vs. USC key players

Penn State Nittany Lions

• Drew Allar has 1,101 pass yards for Penn State, completing 70.9% of his passes and throwing nine touchdowns and one interception this season. He’s also chipped in on the ground with 89 rushing yards (17.8 ypg) on 26 carries with three rushing touchdowns.
• Nicholas Singleton has 408 rushing yards on 53 carries with three touchdowns. He’s also added six catches for 74 yards (18.5 per game) and two touchdowns via the passing game.
• Kaytron Allen has racked up 367 yards on 74 attempts, scoring two times.
• Tyler Warren has hauled in 23 catches for 289 yards (57.8 yards per game) to lead the team so far this season. He’s found the end zone three times as a receiver.
• Harrison Wallace III has caught 15 passes for 242 yards (48.4 yards per game) and two touchdowns this year.
• Omari Evans has been the target of 15 passes and hauled in nine receptions for 208 yards, an average of 41.6 yards per contest. He’s found the end zone two times through the air this season.
• Abdul Carter has collected three sacks to pace the team, while also recording three TFL and 14 tackles.
• Jaylen Reed, Penn State’s top tackler, has 25 tackles, one TFL, and two sacks this year.
• A.J. Harris has picked off a team-leading one pass. He also has seven tackles and one pass defended to his name.

USC Trojans

• Miller Moss leads USC with 1,398 yards on 129-of-200 passing with nine touchdowns compared to four interceptions this season.
• The team’s top rusher, Jo’Quavious Marks, has carried the ball 81 times for 468 yards (93.6 per game) with four touchdowns. He’s also caught 19 passes for 145 yards.
• Quinten Joyner has rushed for 212 yards on 27 carries with two touchdowns.
• Ja’Kobi Lane’s 234 receiving yards (46.8 yards per game) lead the team. He has 21 catches on 35 targets with four touchdowns.
• Zachariah Branch has caught 21 passes and compiled 227 receiving yards (45.4 per game).
• Kyron Ware-Hudson’s 18 receptions (on 27 targets) have netted him 226 yards (45.2 ypg).
• Eric Gentry, the team’s tackle and sacks leader, has amassed two sacks, five TFL and 23 tackles.
• Mason Cobb has a team-high two interceptions to go along with 10 tackles, one TFL, and two passes defended.