Rose Bowl Preview

Rose Bowl
Penn State vs USC
Thursday, January 1, 4:30
on ABC
Rose Bowl - Pasadena

Why you should watch:

• Umm....it's the Rose Bowl...do you need anything else?
  
• Penn State vs USC - enough said
  

Why you shouldn't watch:

• There isn't one...turn on the TV
  

Streaks and Scheduling Notes:
Penn State:

• 11-1 (7-1)
  
• 6th bowl game last 10 years (4-1)
  

USC:

• 11-1 (7-1)
  
• 8th straight bowl game (5-2)
  

Key Stats, Figures, and Players:
Penn State:

• Offensively they are very balanced. They average 211 rushing yards and 240 passing yards per game. Not bad for a team coached by a dinosaur.
  
• Defensively they are VERY good. They allow only 96 yards rushing and 168 yards passing. And they are 18th in the country in sacks per game.
  
• QB Darryl Clark has thrown for over 2,300 yards and 17 touchdowns against only 4 interceptions. He also has over 250 rushing yards and 9 rushing touchdowns.
  
• RB Evan Royster is the stud back for the Lions. He has rushed for over 1,200 yards and 12 touchdowns this season.
  
• WRs Deon Butler, Derrick Williams, and Jordan Norwood are arguably the best trio in the country. They have combined for 121 receptions, 1,769 yards, and 15 touchdowns this season.
  
• DE Aaron Maybin is a force coming off the edge. He has 19 tackles for loss and 12 sacks this season as well as 3 forced fumbles.
• LB Navarro Bowman is the leader at linebacker and will be all over the field Thursday. He has 98 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 1 interception, 5 passes knocked down, and 2 forced fumbles.
  

USC:

• Offensively they are like Penn State. Very balanced. They average 206 rushing and 247 passing per game.
  
• Defensively they are maybe the best ever. They are 1st in scoring defense, passing defense, and pass efficiency defense. And they are 5th in run defense. They allow 83 yards per game on the ground and only 123 through the air.
  
• QB Mark Sanchez has thrown for almost 2,800 yards and 30 touchdowns this season.
  
• RBs Joe McKnight, Stafon Johnson, and C.J. Gable combine to run wild on defenses. They have totaled 1,892 yards and 19 touchdowns this season.
• On defense it really is a complete team approach. There are no real studs. Some players to watch are LB Brian Cushing and Ray Maualuga as well as S Taylor Mays.
  

Who Wins:

Penn State....This might be a minor homer pick as I am a die-hard PSU fan but I truly believe they can and will win this game. First of all I don't think USC has faced an offense as complete as Penn State's. And the Lions USUALLY unveil a new wrinkle in bowl games. Last year it was Darryl Clark running the ball, this year....who knows! It is going to be a good tough game and hopefully the Lions can pull the upset.