Everything Penn State Coach James Franklin said about the USC Trojans

In the seventh week of the college football season, the USC Trojans fell to a 3-3 record with a loss to the No. 4 Penn State Nittany Lions. The game went into overtime and Penn State won 33-30. Following the game, Penn State coach James Franklin spoke to the media about the performance of his team and the USC Trojans.

USC controlled the start of the game with a 20-6 lead at halftime. Penn State staged a comeback in the second half, but it remained close until the end. After the game, Franklin had high praise for the USC Trojans team and staff.

“We weren’t able to get the running game going like we had hoped. I have a lot of respect for their defensive coordinator. It was a guy from Penn State. I have great respect for their employees. This is a talented team and these are talented employees,” Franklin said.

Although Penn State controlled their passing game well, the Nittany Lions only managed to pass the ball for a total of 118 yards. Penn State has a strong backcourt between Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton, so limiting them was a win for the Trojans’ defense.

Franklin talked about Penn State’s defense getting stronger against a talented USC offense. The USC offense played well in the first half, but Penn State slowed the Trojans’ rhythm in the second half.

“I think this is a talented offensive and play-caller, let’s be honest. And it’s been that way for a long time,” Franklin said. “So if we’re able to cover up when they look back, we look back, and change some coverages and change some calls, we thought we’d do a better job of that as the game went on.” But at the end of the day The players had to make their plays, and I thought our guys did that when it mattered most at the end.”

While discussing Penn State quarterback Drew Allar, Franklin talked about his struggles against a strong USC defense.

“It won’t go perfectly. They have talented guys, they have scholarship guys, they got a lot of NIL, and our guys just battled through it,” Franklin said of the USC defense.

Allar threw three interceptions against the Trojans’ defense. One was on a Hail Mary pass, but the others gave the ball right back to the Trojans with good field position. However, despite the turnovers, Penn State’s defense remained strong.

“I haven’t been in too many games where you lose the turnover battle like that,” Franklin said. “Even though we had three turnovers, they were only able to get six points from those turnovers.”

The Trojans’ offense stepped up early against the Nittany Lions. Franklin talked about how the team was prepared to stop USC wide receiver and returner Zachariah Branch. Branch only had two receptions in the game. He returned kicks twice for a total of 29 yards.

“We went into this game with a lot of respect for (Branch). “We always take a certain player or a certain plan, and we say that guy can’t be a factor in the game,” Franklin said. “All-American returner and impactful wide receiver. And I think we did a good job on punt location, kick location and coverage.”

Despite a strong performance in the first half, the USC Trojans were unable to secure the victory. The Trojans now have a record of 3-3, 1-3 in Big Ten conference play.

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