The Penn State Football Show

There is no doubt that the average human will take a look at this game and suspect a USC victory. Many in fact will expect a blowout because Penn State happens to be a part of the Big Ten conference which USC has manhandled in recent years. Unfortunately these people are short-sighted and well....actually its not unfortunate at all. This is a huge advantage to the Lions, who will enter the game with nothing to lose.

USC has handled teams with ease this season with the exception of Oregon State and to some extent, Stanford. Both of these teams were able to establish a running attack and put some points of the board early. This is key number one to beating USC. What else is it going to take? USC wasn't able to come back against Oregon State because the Beaver defense didn't surrender the big play. USC's offense, much like the Florida offense earlier this year, relies completely on the big play. They will not have a 13 play touchdown drive, they will not run the ball up the gut every play (even if it gets them 5 yards a carry) because they're too flashy for that. It's almost as if this team wants to win only if they can do it in style. Penn State on the other hand will do whatever it takes. They will blow teams out (MSU, Oregon State, Syracuse) or they will grind out the game and put the game on their defense (Ohio State). This ability to adjust to the type of game is why I feel PSU has a good chance at winning New Year's Day.

Talent, speed, long flowing locks, cool Hawaiian names, Hollywood stars, and a coach that still thinks he's one of the boys will not guarantee a victory. This team is by far the most capable to win a national championship, but lack of discipline, over pursuit, and an overconfident attitude result in losses for the Trojan squad. Stupid penalties, open cutback lanes, and turnovers doomed them against Oregon State. With a very good back in Royster who has been praised all season for his vision, Penn State will be in good shape to recreate some of the offense that the Beavers were able to use to defeat USC. Traditionally USC has also had trouble with a mobile quarterback, and if Clark can hold onto the ball, I feel that he should be a big threat given the number of players USC tends to use in blitzes. There will also be a lot of 1 on 1 coverages for the wide receivers that Clark should be able to exploit. These are some weaknesses...of course USC has many more strengths, but I don't care about those right now. I just feel like informing the world (or the handful of people that will actually read this) that USC is not that good. Penn State has its flaws, but I am confident that the group will be well prepared and ready to take on this goliath. No one is giving them a chance, and the stage will be set for them to make a statement.

This is arguably the biggest game in Penn State football history since the 80's and once again (as for most Big Ten teams playing in bowls) this will be a veritable home game for their opponent. The odds are against them, but PSU is simply too balanced in every aspect of the game to be brushed aside like a second class football team. I don't care how flashy USC is, or how fast their players are because those things don't win football games. It will be a terrific game and the only shot PSU has to win will come if they play sound defense, and can be both smart and aggressive on offense. Turnovers in this game will be huge, and this can't be played like the game against Ohio State. Points will be hard to come by, but I have faith in this team and the coaching staff. I have been thinking about this game for so long and all of a sudden the time is upon us. Let's show the world how football is supposed to be played. Let's go state