Here’s why a road win against unranked USC would be monster for No. 4 Penn State

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — Something special could occur Saturday at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum when No. 4 Penn State visits Southern Cal with a great deal at stake for both teams.

With a win, the Nittany Lions (5-0, 2-0 Big Ten) add a major boost — albeit against an unranked opponent — to their College Football Playoff resumé, while a victory by the Trojans (3-2, 1-2) saves them from a third loss and virtual elimination from the playoffs.

These are the keys to victory on both sides.

USC quarterback Miller Moss has been subject to a lot of defensive harassment, leading to six sacks in the last three gamesThe Trojans’ loss to Michigan on Sept. 21 stands out, with 22 pressures (40% rate). Brad Nessler, the play-by-play announcer who covered that game, will be on the call for Saturday’s game (3:30 p.m., CBS3).

Nessler told The Inquirer this week that he was impressed with Moss’ ability to withstand hits.

“He got his butt kicked,” Nessler said. “But I mean, they hit him, and he just kept getting up.”

Penn State’s defensive front may be one of the best Moss has seen this season.

Glenside native Abdul Carter has turned it on for Penn State after a slow start. The junior edge rusher has three sacks and a forced fumble on the year. Defensive tackle Zane Durant, a junior, has been a pressure machine, with back-to-back games with a sack

“I don’t know the last time we’ve had a defensive tackle as disruptive as Zane,” said Penn State coach James Franklin. “You’ve got [defensive ends] on either side that could be problematic. Where are you going to pick your poison?”

» READ MORE: No. 4 Penn State travels 2,500 miles to face USC on Saturday. And that’s just once it’s on the plane.

Carrying a 9-4 touchdown-to-interception ratio, Moss is strictly a pocket passer and as a result will take hits. He has weapons in receivers Zachariah Branch and Ja’Kobi Lane (21 catches apiece), as well as in dual-threat back Woody Marks (19 catches). Moss threw two picks last Saturday in a 24-17 loss to Minnesota, but as the receiver corps struggled, Marks added 134 yards on the ground.

Branch is swift and could succeed with an up-tempo approach. Lane has shown the ability to go up and get the ball — he can make big plays. Penn State’s best cornerback has been transfer A.J. Harris, allowing a 32.9 passer rating on balls thrown at him. He says he knows what to expect when it comes to the Trojans.

“Very explosive, good group,” said Harris, who transferred from Georgia after last season. “A lot of production in that room. It’ll be a good challenge.”

It will be the first time this season Penn State is truly tested in the defensive backfield.

While improved over the last few games, USC’s defense has been susceptible to explosive plays. This is an opportunity for Penn State junior running back Nick Singleton, who missed the UCLA game last Saturday. He averages 7.7 yards per carry with five touchdowns.

USC has been gashed by runs of 40 yards or more this season. If that continues, Singleton and top Penn State back Kaytron Allen could have a big day.

Additionally, Tyler Warren — Penn State’s career touchdown record holder at the tight end position — has also seen reps at quarterback and has been dangerous in both spots.

Southern Cal defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn is “having a headache thinking about it,” Nessler said. “I don’t think a lot of teams have anything ready for Tyler Warren.”

Lynn will have to prevent big plays, but Penn State’s offense is rolling. Receivers Omari Evans and Liam Clifford both have had 100-yard games.

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