Penn State’s start to the 2026 Big Ten slate went from bad to worse on Friday with a 34-13 loss to Northwestern at newly opened Ryan Field. The Nittany Lions are now heading into the Week 6 White Out against USC, still seeking their first win in conference play under first-year head coach Matt Campbell.
In the Week 4 loss to Wisconsin, Penn State’s offense was the clear weak link, managing just one offensive touchdown, which was set up by an interception and a short field. Against USC, the offense didn’t look much better, still down its No. 1 wide receiver, Koby Howard, but the defense showed itself to be much weaker than previously expected, allowing 413 rushing yards and 500 total yards to the Wildcats.
Now, after Northwestern offensive coordinator Chip Kelly overmatched Penn State defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn, his former boss, Lincoln Riley, is coming to town. USC’s defense still has plenty of questions hanging over it with Lynn’s replacement, Gary Patterson, in charge, but on the strength of Riley’s offense, the Trojans are still in the mix for the Big Ten title and the College Football Playoff with their lone loss at the hands of Oregon two weeks ago.
Penn State’s dreams of the CFP are hanging on by a thread. If Campbell wants to rekindle the idea of cashing in on a favorable Big Ten schedule with a trip to the Playoff, he will need his team to make a quick turnaround starting in Week 6 with USC before heading to Ann Arbor in Week 7. But first things first, it’s the White Out with the season on the line. Here’s what you need to know.
How to watch Penn State vs. USC in Week 5
- Date: Friday, October 10
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- Venue: Beaver Stadium
- How to Watch (TV): NBC
- Streaming: FuboTV
- Penn State record: 3-2 (0-2)
- USC record: 5-1 (2-1)
Announcers for Penn State vs. USC
- Play-by-play: Noah Eagle
- Analyst: Todd Blackledge
- Sideline: Kathryn Tappen
USC vs. Penn State odds, spread and total
Odds provided by FanDuel Sportsbook
Moneyline
- Penn State -102
- USC +118
Spread
- Penn State -1.5 (-110)
- USC +1.5 (-110)
Total
- 54.5 (over -110/under -110)
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Penn State injury report
- LaVar Arrington II, DE: OUT
- Max Granville, DE: OUT
- Koby Howard, WR: OUT
- Joshua Johnson, CB: OUT
- Tyler Armstead, CB: OUT
- Mason Robinson, DE: OUT
- Dayshaun Burnett, DE: OUT
- Will Tompkins, OL: OUT
- Cooper Alexander, TE: OUT
- Cristiano Rosa, K: OUT
- Alex Tatsch, LB: Questionable
- Armstrong Nnodim, DT: Questionable
USC injury report
- Corey Simms, WR: OUT
- Kendarius Reddick, S: OUT
- Roman Marchetti, LB: OUT
- Kiliam O’Connor, OL: OUT
- Jahkeem Stewart, DT: Questionable
- Trent Mosley, WR: Questionable
- Mark Bowman, TE: Questionable
- Hayden Treter, OL: Questionable
- Jide Abasiri, DT: Questionable
Weather forecast in Happy Valley
Conditions appear to be ideal for the White Out on Saturday with a daytime high of 67 degrees and partly cloudy skies. Temperatures will be heading closer to the nighttime low of 49 degrees around the 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff at Beaver Stadium. Weather should not have an impact on the outcome of the game, even with USC heading from LA to the crisp October air of central Pennsylvania.
Penn State and USC series history
- All-time meetings: 11
- PSU all-time record vs. USC: 5-6
- Last meeting: 10/12/2024 - 33-30 (OT) Penn State W (LA Coliseum)
- Last USC win: 01/02/2017 - 52-49 (Rose Bowl)
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