In a heartbreaking overtime loss, the USC Trojans fell to the No. 4 Penn State Nittany Lions 33-30 at the Rose Bowl. Despite a valiant effort from tight end Tyler Warren, who tied the FBS record for receptions by a tight end, the Trojans' defense ultimately failed in overtime, allowing a game-winning field goal.
**Los Angeles, CA** - The USC Trojans suffered a devastating setback on Saturday night, falling to the No. 4 Penn State Nittany Lions 33-30 in overtime at the iconic Rose Bowl.
USC Football Collapses in Overtime Thriller to No. 4 Penn State, 33-30
The game was a tale of two halves, with the Trojans dominating the first half and Penn State controlling the second half. USC took an early 17-0 lead thanks to two touchdown passes from quarterback Caleb Williams to wide receiver Jordan Addison and running back Travis Dye.
However, Penn State rallied back in the third quarter, scoring two touchdowns to tie the game. The Nittany Lions then took their first lead of the game in the fourth quarter on a 40-yard field goal by Jake Pinegar.
USC responded with a field goal of their own to send the game into overtime. However, in overtime, the Trojans defense was unable to stop Penn State's offense. Nittany Lions quarterback Drew Allar completed a pass to tight end Theo Johnson for 27 yards, setting up Ryan Barker for the game-winning 36-yard field goal.
Despite the loss, USC tight end Tyler Warren put on an impressive performance, catching 17 passes for 154 yards, tying the FBS record for receptions by a tight end. Williams threw for 383 yards and three touchdowns, while Dye rushed for 79 yards and one touchdown.
For Penn State, Allar threw for 253 yards and two touchdowns, while running back Nicholas Singleton rushed for 130 yards. Johnson finished with six receptions for 102 yards.
The loss drops USC to 2-1 on the season, while Penn State improves to 3-0. The Trojans will next play Fresno State at home on Saturday, September 17, while the Nittany Lions will host Central Michigan on Saturday, September 10.
