Nittany Lions face big comeback task against USC

LOS ANGELES | Penn State must overcome its biggest deficit of the season to remain undefeated, as the Nittany Lions trail USC 20-6 at halftime. Fourth-ranked Penn State allowed a number of big plays in the first half, most notably the longest touchdown scored against its defense this season, and failed to score touchdowns on two trips into USC's red zone.

A look at Penn State-USC at halftime.

USC's big-play offense

Penn State entered the game ranked second in the Big Ten in explosive defense, having allowed just 13 plays of over 20 yards in four games. USC scored four goals in the first half alone, including three on the ground, to turn the Nittany Lions' defense on its head.

Quinten Joyner scored from 75 yards on a perfectly called and executed end-around, while Woody Marks had runs of 21 and 28 yards to set up Joyner's second touchdown. As a result, the Big Ten's No. 2 rushing defense, which had allowed a 100-yard rushing game against its last 16 Big Ten opponents, gave up 147 rushing yards in the first half.

Drew Allar's second interception

Allar has defended the ball well this season and only thrown one interception, but the second interception came in a difficult situation. On a third down in the second quarter, Allar looked left away from a receiver and threw it to Liam Clifford on his right side. USC linebacker Desman Stephens II read Allar perfectly and undercut the short ball for the interception. His 42-yard return (Clifford made the tackle) put USC in excellent field position. But the Nittany Lions got a stop when cornerback AJ Harris made a crucial tackle for loss and limited USC to a 45-yard field goal to take a 17-3 lead.

Two crucial plays in the first quarter

Penn State offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki wrote a showbiz offensive script for the opening series, mixing tempo, new formations, Vega Ioane on the move again and lots of Tyler Warren. It was entertaining to watch, but it stalled inside the 5-yard line. The Nittany Lions ran once (a Drew Allar scramble) and a touchdown pass from Allar to Warren was deflected by offensive pass interference (receiver Julian Fleming appeared to put his hands up too high).

Penn State's 3-0 lead on Ryan Barker's 35-yard field goal didn't last a single play. Joyner shined on USC's next play from scrimmage, cutting through several over-pursuing Penn State defenders and scoring from 75 yards. It was the longest play Penn State's defense has allowed this season.

Close calls

Penn State's offense was frustratingly close to two touchdowns in the first half. Warren's first-half touchdown catch was taken off the board by Fleming's penalty. And in the second quarter, receiver Trey Wallace had a step in his coverage in the end zone and got his hands on Allar's pass but couldn't complete the catch. On the next play, Allar scrambled to find Warren trying to obstruct the pass. He didn't make it and Barker scored his second field goal of the game.

Warren made a big impact, catching nine of Allar's 12 completions for 98 yards. He has 92 yards after contact.

More Penn State football

Kicker Ryan Barker continues to draw attention at Penn State

USC defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn stands in front of his alma mater

How Penn State's passing game has changed this season