Hello, all. Well, the Rose Bowl is upon us, and as we all know, my Penn State Nittany Lions are playing in it. Here are 3 things that they can do to ensure them their first victory in Pasadena since 1995.
Key #1: Stop Adoree Jackson
| This man is a star. (Photo creds to Los Angeles Times) |
Forget Jabrill Peppers. The best two way player in college football plays for Southern Cal, and his name is Adoree Jackson. As a receiver, runningback, shutdown corner, and return man, Jackson can do damn near everything, and there are many ways that he can hurt Penn State. Jackson is USC's most valuable player, and if Penn State can limit him as much as possible, their chancds will increase dramatically.
Key #2: Next man up
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| Penn State must atone for the sins of #13, Saeed Blacknall |
Last week, unfortunate news came out regarding the big game, as James Franklin announced that two key players, receiver Saeed Blacknall and linebacker Manny Bowen, would not play in the Rose Bowl for violating team rules. Bowen's suspension is not as big of a deal to me, as Penn State has a deep core of linebackers who gained valuable experience when starters were dropping like flies early in the season. Blacknell's suspension is more concerning, however, as USC's secondary, led by Jackson, is one of the best in college football, so Penn State cannot afford to lose much ground in the passing game. Luckily, DeAndre Thompkins and Irvin Charles are two guys who are capable of stepping up, and one of them, if not both, will have to do that for Penn State to put a dent into Troy.
Key #3: Trace McSorley
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| Photo creds to Roar Lions Roar |
As I said in my preview for the Big 10 Title Game, Trace McSorley is the leader of the Penn State offense. As he goes, so does the machine. I don't think McSorley will get flustered, as there is far less pressure on Penn State today then in Indy a month ago, albeit there is a larger audience. Yes, USC has a great secondary, but so does Wisconsin, and we saw what Trace was able to do to them. I am expecting another big game from McSorley, as will likely be necessary for Penn State to emerge victoriously.
Final Prediction
It will be a close game that will lead to a lot of different emotions for us the fans. However, I think this Nittany Lion team is special. They have come too far for their season to end with a loss, and I don't think such an ending will happen today. No matter what happens on that field, this has been a season that we in Happy Valley will never forget. However, it'd be a lot nicer if things ended with a W, eh?
Penn State 31, USC 24.
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