Tag: 2017 rose bowl

USC and Big Ten history: Trojans-Penn State 2017 Rose Bowl is a classic

When you think about the USC-Penn State football series, you think about one game: the 2017 Rose Bowl. #B1G

The USC Trojans and Penn State Nittany Lions is a stellar Big Ten matchup, and these two programs will play each other twice in the first two seasons in the new-look conference.

The series history between these two juggernauts is impressive. USC leads 6-4, with the latest matchup being a Trojans Rose Bowl win in 2017 by a score of 52-49. Sam Darnold authored a comeback for the ages in the Arroyo Seco, easily the proudest moment of the otherwise-forgettable tenure of previous USC head coach Clay Helton.

Paul Myerberg of USA TODAY Sports looks back at the USC-Penn State series, making sure to include the best game the two teams have ever played:

“The Nittany Lions and Trojans met five times in seven seasons between 1990-96, with USC taking home games in 1990 and 1991 before losing on the road and at a neutral site in 1993, 1994 and 1996. USC has won all three meetings since, including Rose Bowl victories in 2009 and 2017. The latter matchup, a shootout won almost singlehandedly by former quarterback Sam Darnold, is one of the great games in Rose Bowl history.”

Get more Penn State news, analysis and opinions at Nittany Lions Wire.

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247Sports ranks top-25 CFB coaches: Where is Georgia’s Kirby Smart?

Georgia football coach Kirby Smart was ranked 4th in 247Sports’ list of the top-25 coaches in college football.

On Thursday, Brad Crawford of 247Sports released his list of the top-25 coaches in college football.

Georgia coach Kirby Smart checked in at No. 4.

Crawford’s top-five was as follows:

1. Nick Saban, Alabama

2. Dabo Swinney, Clemson

3. Ed Orgeron, LSU

4. Kirby Smart, Georgia

5. Lincoln Riley, Oklahoma

Smart was named the Bulldogs coach in 2015 after serving as Alabama defensive coordinator under Nick Saban for eight years.

Smart has led his alma mater to a 44-12 record over four years as the Bulldogs head coach and has boasted three consecutive No. 1 ranked recruiting classes.

There is no question that Smart has built a powerhouse at Georgia. He recruits at an elite level and has one of the best defensive minds in all of college football.

So, what separates Smart from Saban, Swinney and Orgeron?

A national championship.

Smart has led Georgia to three consecutive SEC East titles, an SEC Championship title, a College Football Playoff victory and a National Championship bid, but a couple of close losses to Bama have held the Bulldogs from the top of college football.

Jan 1, 2018; Pasadena, CA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart holds the Rose Bowl trophy — Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

However, Smart will have another shot at a title in 2020 and it may be with the most talented team he has had in his time at Georgia.

The Bulldogs return many of the starters from the 2019 record-breaking defense and have a new air-raid offensive system behind the arm of Wake Forest transfer quarterback Jamie Newman, and new offensive coordinator Todd Monken.

A few other notable names on the list:

#8 – Florida head coach Dan Mullen

#9 – Texas A&M head coach Jimbo Fisher

#13 – Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn

#15 – Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops

#21 – Tennessee head coach Jeremy Pruitt