Penn State vs USC Grades

10 of 10

January 2, 2017; Pasadena, CA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin watches game action against the Southern California Trojans during the first half of the 2017 Rose Bowl game at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Coaching

The Lions started slow and then came back in a furious third quarter. The fourth quarter, which had been dominated by the Lions during their long win streak, was conservatively called by the coaches and it may have cost them.

I think Penn State had a good plan on offense and executed enough to win the game. 49 points should be enough in most games but the Rose Bowl was a different beast. The defense did not perform up to snuff as it had in the second half of the season.

The coaches have done all the right things during the nine-game win streak. This time they just came up short and a lot of credit has to be given to USC as well. Great, entertaining game by both sides.

Grade: B

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