Here’s everything Penn State coach James Franklin mentioned regarding USC after the game.

In week seven of the college football season, the USC Trojans fell to a 3-3 record after losing to the No. 4 Penn State Nittany Lions in an overtime game that ended 33-30. After the match, Penn State coach James Franklin addressed the media, discussing both his team’s performance and the Trojans.

USC started strong, leading 20-6 at halftime. Although Penn State mounted a comeback in the second half, the game remained competitive until the very end. Franklin expressed his admiration for the USC team and coaching staff, stating, “We weren’t able to get the running game going the way we had hoped. I have a lot of respect for their defensive coordinator, who is a former Penn State guy. Their team and staff are both very talented.”

While Penn State excelled in their passing game, they managed only 118 rushing yards in total. With a strong running back duo in Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton, the Trojans’ defense viewed this as a success in limiting their opponents.

Franklin commented on how Penn State’s defense rose to the challenge against a talented USC offense. Although the Trojans performed well in the first half, the Nittany Lions were able to disrupt their momentum in the second half.

“I think that’s a talented offense and play caller, and that’s been the case for a long time,” Franklin remarked. “We did a better job of disguising our looks and adjusting coverages and calls as the game progressed. Ultimately, players need to make plays, and I thought our guys stepped up when it counted most down the stretch.”

In discussing Penn State quarterback Drew Allar, Franklin addressed his challenges against a formidable USC defense.

“It’s not going to go perfectly. They have talented players, scholarship athletes, and significant NIL resources, but our guys fought through it,” Franklin said about the Trojans’ defense.

Allar threw three interceptions during the game, including one on a Hail Mary, while the others allowed USC to gain good field position. Nevertheless, Penn State’s defense held firm despite the turnovers.

“I haven’t been part of too many games where you lose the turnover battle like that,” Franklin commented. “Even with three turnovers, they only managed to score six points off them.” The USC offense started strong, and Franklin noted that the team was well-prepared to handle USC wide receiver and returner Zachariah Branch, who recorded just two receptions and returned kicks for a total of 29 yards.

“We went into this game with great respect for (Branch). We identify key players or schemes and make sure they can’t influence the game,” Franklin said. “He’s an All-American returner and a significant wide receiver, and I believe we did a solid job with our punt and kick coverage.” Despite a strong performance in the first half, the USC Trojans could not secure a victory and now sit at a 3-3 record, with a 1-3 mark in Big Ten conference play.

USC will travel to the East Coast on Saturday, Oct. 19, to take on the Maryland Terrapins.