Whether the Penn State passing game will function well against USC this weekend might depend on whether the Nittany Lions can establish the run first. Penn State could bring USC defenders into the tackle box and then throw into vacated areas of the field. It would be a worst-case scenario for USC if Penn State forces the Trojans to commit more bodies to the run. USC linebackers would be more susceptible to play-action passes, biting on the run fake and leaving the middle of the field open.
Nittany Lions Wire thinks Penn State should be optimistic about its ability to establish the run versus USC:
Penn State’s running game is back compared to last year with Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen putting together incredible seasons so far on the ground. The Nittany Lions now rank 17th in the country with 217.8 rushing yards per game after being held under 200 yards for the first time all season against UCLA after Singleton was ruled out.
This should be a matchup that Penn State dominates on Saturday. USC is tied for 87th with 158.6 rushing yards allowed, and with James Franklin all but saying their star running back Singleton will be back in action, that gives the Nittany Lions their two-headed monster that’s wreaked havoc on their opponents all year long.
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