Official State at USC score prediction thread
- Thread starter laKavosiey-st lion
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We get a good running game going with a healthy Singleton and others chipping in, USC's run defense was very soft against MInnesota. Takes the pressure off of Allar and PSU will pop that Trojan by 14 point spread.
The NCAA has slowly been implementing new clock rules over the past few years to speed up the game (or for us cynics, allow for more time for TV commercials). This year, the clock keeps running after first downs - it used to stop after a first down. Prior changes included keeping the clock running when a ball carrier goes out of bounds.
Net effect - fewer plays and possessions per team. There have been some games where teams only had 7 possessions. I think PSU had 8 possessions in one of their games. Every game is different, but how many teams are going to score on 50-60% of their possessions? Thus, not likely to see high scoring shootouts from both teams as we may have in prior years.
USC is who they are.
Last year, they lost 5 games - while giving up over 37 points per game vs P5 opponents - nearly dead last in the entire nation
And that team had Caleb Williams, Marshawn Lloyd, Austin Jones, Tahj Washington, and Brenden Rice as offensive playmakers (they are all gone to the NFL draft)
Their new QB - after lighting up Lousville in a bowl game, and a very good opener against LSU, has been very inefficient.
The new DC (former PSU guy) may be making some improvements to their D - but it is not yet close to being a top quality defense by any stretch.
Do they have enough raw talent to beat a good team when they play well? Sure - and they did that against LSU. Could they do that to PSU (assuming PSU helps them out a lot - as LSU did)? Sure.
They also managed to lose to two Big Ten teams that for all intents and purposes played without a D1 level QB. And they won't have that luxury on Saturday.
Last year, they lost 5 games - while giving up over 37 points per game vs P5 opponents - nearly dead last in the entire nation
And that team had Caleb Williams, Marshawn Lloyd, Austin Jones, Tahj Washington, and Brenden Rice as offensive playmakers (they are all gone to the NFL draft)
Their new QB - after lighting up Lousville in a bowl game, and a very good opener against LSU, has been very inefficient.
The new DC (former PSU guy) may be making some improvements to their D - but it is not yet close to being a top quality defense by any stretch.
Do they have enough raw talent to beat a good team when they play well? Sure - and they did that against LSU. Could they do that to PSU (assuming PSU helps them out a lot - as LSU did)? Sure.
They also managed to lose to two Big Ten teams that for all intents and purposes played without a D1 level QB. And they won't have that luxury on Saturday.
I honestly don’t know. I’ve seen flaws in both teams that could result in a loss. If both teams play their best, PSU wins. I’m not sure which version of PSU or SC we see. This is why I don’t bet.
USC 24
PSU 21
This is the one where FG kicking (2 misses) cost PSU the game
PSU 21
This is the one where FG kicking (2 misses) cost PSU the game
I agree w/ Uglies' prediction 31-13 good guys.
PSU-27
USC-17
Just landed LAX. About 15-20% PSU fans on my flight from PHL. (based on those wearing gear)
USC-17
Just landed LAX. About 15-20% PSU fans on my flight from PHL. (based on those wearing gear)
From what I've seen from both teams, you may not need to pass much. Their QB will be running for his life. I don't think they can handle your DL, especially if you force them to their left. No prediction, but I think it will be a convincing win for Penn State.
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Stats reflect your perception. PSU is 9th in generating havoc (defense) and USC is 93rd against havoc (offense).
Minnesota had 193 yds rushing and 169 yds passing vs USC. That's a good rushing effort but not dominant. Overall they were well balanced.
Was Donkoh's absence the reason why our running attack slowed vs UCLA? Will he play vs USC? IMO not if he had a dislocation.
Their defense is improved. They're giving up 18.4 ppg so fat this year and that includes LSU (20), Michigan (27), Wisconsin (21), and Minny (24). I'm not saying they have a great defense but it certainly looks better than last year.
PSU 27
USC 24
Is there anybody who would be upset with this result?
USC 24
Is there anybody who would be upset with this result?
No. This is a game where the dub is all that matters.
I'm pretty sure USC would be upset with it.
I agree on the special teams and maybe even some coaching decisions (go for two when you shouldn’t, go for it on 4th down when you shouldn’t etc.)
University of Spoiled Children 24 (punt return)
Good guys 20
but the good news…I’m gaining enthusiasm for the OSU matchup
What's the thinking here ... they're going to look past USC for ... Wisconsin?!? Wisky would be the week PSU would potentially in a lull ... the scenario being after they get over the USC hump with OSU looming the following week, in comes Wisky (well, we actually go there, but that's not the point) and PSU is not fully invested in that game. I don't think they'd be looking ahead 2 weeks/2 games ... that's not a thing.
Besides, I'm pretty sure that's just the level of squad USC is ... middling with some talent ... so they'll look better than they really are some weeks, and then they'll struggle and lose to some not great squads other weeks.
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