USC vs. Penn State Match Recap

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October 11, 2026
Professional Sports Sports

Match Overview

No. 19 USC faced Penn State in a tense game on Saturday, with kickoff at 4:30 p.m. PDT. The match was broadcast on NBC and Peacock. USC aimed to secure an important road victory.

Detailed Game Progression

Early in the fourth quarter, USC’s defense held Penn State to a field goal, maintaining their lead. At 14:52 left, USC was ahead 24-23. Rocco Becht of Penn State threw an incomplete pass from the USC 7, leading to a successful 26-yard field goal by Penn State’s Ryan Barker.

As the third quarter ended, Penn State trailed USC 24-20. Starting at their 25, Penn State’s drive included a notable 21-yard pass from Becht to Brett Eskildsen. USC’s strategic substitutions caused Penn State to take a timeout on their 49. The drive continued with Becht’s passes to Gabe Burkle and Andrew Rappleyea, taking Penn State to the USC 22. However, USC effectively stopped Penn State at the end of the third quarter.

USC quarterback Jayden Maiava led a decisive touchdown drive, which began at their own 25. After a series of successful runs and passes, the drive concluded with Maiava’s pitch to King Miller, who scored a 13-yard touchdown. Caden Chittenden’s extra point secured USC’s lead at 24-20.

Earlier in the third quarter, USC’s onside kick opened up opportunities for Penn State. Penn State capitalized with a field goal, closing the gap to 20-17, as Barker successfully hit a 35-yard attempt.

At the end of the second quarter, Penn State tied the game at 17-17 with a last-second 48-yard field goal by Barker, following a timeout called by USC’s Lincoln Riley.

In the second quarter, USC kickstarted their lead with a 37-yard field goal from Chittenden after Maiava and his receivers executed long pass plays.

Midway through the second quarter, Penn State equaled the score 14-14 after USC was penalized for pass interference. This drive featured a reviewed touchdown by Carson Hansen.

Earlier in the second quarter, Maiava and Tanook Hines connected for an acrobatic 11-yard touchdown, giving USC a 14-7 lead.

Penn State replied in the first quarter tying the score 7-7 with a touchdown from Andrew Rappleyea.

Maiava opened USC’s scoring with a pass to Trent Mosley for a 19-yard touchdown drive, initiating the game with USC leading 7-0.

Insights and Interview Highlights

During halftime, USC’s coach Lincoln Riley complimented Jayden Maiava’s calm demeanor and pointed out the need for the defense to manage explosive plays better.