Victory Bell Rings
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Penn State vs USC Grades

By Shane Lunnen

Jan 2, 2017; Pasadena, CA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions defensive end Shane Simmons (34) and cornerback Zech McPhearson (14) enter the field before the 2017 Rose Bowl game against the USC Trojans at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2017; Pasadena, CA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions defensive end Shane Simmons (34) and cornerback Zech McPhearson (14) enter the field before the 2017 Rose Bowl game against the USC Trojans at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 2, 2017; Pasadena, CA, USA; USC Trojans guard Damien Mama (51) jumps for the ball against Penn State Nittany Lions defensive end Evan Schwan (94) and defensive tackle Robert Windsor (54) during the third quarter of the 2017 Rose Bowl game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2017; Pasadena, CA, USA; USC Trojans guard Damien Mama (51) jumps for the ball against Penn State Nittany Lions defensive end Evan Schwan (94) and defensive tackle Robert Windsor (54) during the third quarter of the 2017 Rose Bowl game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive Line

No matter what defensive coordinator Brent Pry dialed up, the Nittany Lions were unable to get to USC quarterback Sam Darnold, as he was allowed plenty of time to pick apart the Lions.

The front four for the most part bottled up the Trojan rushing attack, the longest run of the day being 24 yards by running back Justin Davis.  However, it was inexcusable that they could get no pressure on Darnold.  Credit must also be given to the Trojan offensive line, but the Lions failed greatly in this area and it ultimately cost them.

Grade: D

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