No. 8 Penn State Nittany Lions (11-1) vs. No. 5 Southern Cal Trojans (11-1)
When: Today, 4:30 p.m.
Where: The Rose Bowl, Los Angeles
Line: Southern Cal by 10
TV: ABC
Why you should watch: Because it’s the Granddaddy of them all. Southern Cal has been the country’s premier team since 2000. But Penn State has playmakers on both sides of the ball and is one of the few teams that can matchup with the Trojans. Nittany Lions coach Joe Paterno, 82, even is ready with a new hip. At this rate, he plans on coaching until 2075. The key for Penn State is cracking the USC defense, which is allowing just 7.8 points per game. The Nittany Lions are 56-9 since 2001 when they score at least 20. USC’s defense also gets inflated numbers by playing in the Pac-10, which this season is about as tough as the MIAA B Conference. The Trojans, however, have won eight straight against the Big 10 by an average of 25 points, and are led by junior quarterback Mark Sanchez (2,794 yards, 30 TDs).
Did you know this person went to Southern Cal: Will Ferrell, comedian and star of movies “Old School,” “Anchor Man,” and “Blades of Glory.”
Did you know this person went to Penn State: Steven E. de Souza, screenwriter for “Lethal Weapon,” “48 Hrs.” and “Die Hard.” Point to USC.
Carey predicts: Penn State, 30-28
Bimbo predicts: Southern Cal
