Penn State Rallies Past USC in Overtime Thriller, 33-30

Eric Boggs October 13, 2024

No. 4/5 Penn State (6-0, 3-0 Big Ten) mounted an impressive second-half comeback to defeat USC (3-3, 1-3 Big Ten) 33-30 in overtime at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Saturday. Trailing 20-6 at halftime, the Nittany Lions outscored the Trojans 27-10 in the second half and overtime to secure a hard-fought victory.

The star of the night was Penn State tight end Tyler Warren, who had a record-setting performance with 17 receptions for 224 yards and a touchdown. Warren became the first tight end in Penn State history to surpass 200 receiving yards in a game, while his 17 catches tied the FBS single-game record for tight ends. He also contributed a four-yard rush and even completed a pass for nine yards in a versatile display.

Quarterback Drew Allar had a career night, throwing for 394 yards and two touchdowns on 30-of-43 passing, despite three interceptions. His clutch plays in key moments, especially late in the game, helped keep Penn State alive. Harrison Wallace III added 53 receiving yards, and Nicholas Singleton made crucial contributions, including a game-tying 14-yard touchdown reception with less than three minutes to play in regulation.

What’s cooler than being cool? pic.twitter.com/cKHx1JZhwQ
— Penn State Football (@PennStateFball) October 12, 2024

Penn State’s running game was balanced, with Kaytron Allen rushing for 56 yards and a touchdown, while Singleton chipped in 26 yards on the ground.

Defensively, the Nittany Lions came up big in key moments. Jaylen Reed’s interception with three seconds left in regulation forced overtime, and the defense held USC to just two third-down conversions throughout the game. Kobe King led Penn State’s defense with seven tackles, while Dani Dennis-Sutton added six, including two tackles for loss. Abdul Carter recorded his fourth sack of the season.

USC took control early, with Quentin Joyner providing much of the offense. He broke free for a 75-yard touchdown run in the first quarter and later added a nine-yard touchdown catch. USC held a 20-6 lead at halftime, and Miller Moss threw for 220 yards and two touchdowns for the Trojans. However, USC struggled down the stretch, and coach Lincoln Riley’s decision not to use timeouts in the final seconds of regulation left many scratching their heads.

Allen is in for another @PennStateFball and we are TIED. pic.twitter.com/8K4wdbpxdn
— CBS Sports College Football 🏈 (@CBSSportsCFB) October 12, 2024

Penn State responded immediately after halftime, cutting USC’s lead to 20-13 with a five-play, 75-yard drive capped by Warren’s 32-yard touchdown grab. The Nittany Lions tied the game at 20 with a 90-yard drive ending in Allen’s one-yard touchdown run. USC briefly regained the lead with a 45-yard field goal in the third quarter, but Penn State answered again with Ryan Barker’s third field goal of the day to knot the game at 23.

USC took a 30-23 lead late in the fourth quarter, but Allar and Penn State answered with a 12-play, 75-yard drive, highlighted by two clutch fourth-down conversions. Singleton’s 14-yard touchdown catch tied the game at 30 with 2:53 remaining.

Reed’s interception at the end of regulation set up a potential game-winning Hail Mary for Penn State, but USC picked it off, sending the game to overtime. In the extra period, USC failed to score after a missed 45-yard field goal. Penn State capitalized, and Barker nailed a 36-yard field goal to win it for the Nittany Lions, their first overtime game-winner since 2012.

The victory keeps Penn State undefeated as they continue their quest for a Big Ten title, while USC has now lost three of its last four games.