After a strong first quarter in which USC held Penn State’s Trace McSorley to just two passing yards and intercepted him twice on their way to a 13-0 lead, the game turned on its head in the second.
The Nittany Lions’ explosive offense came alive, while 35 total points were scored between the two teams. Darnold completed touchdowns to Deontay Burnett and Darreus Rogers, while McSorley found Chris Godwin and Mike Gesicki for a pair of highlight reel scores. USC took a 27-21 lead to the half.
It wouldn’t last long. Saquon Barkley went 79 yards on his first carry of the third quarter for the Nittany Lions to take their first lead.