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Predicting every 2016 college football bowl game

By Cody Williams

Dec 31, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; A general view of the logo and end zone marker prior to the the 2014 Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; A general view of the logo and end zone marker prior to the the 2014 Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 15, 2016; Tucson, AZ, USA; USC Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws a pass against the Arizona Wildcats during the first half at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2016; Tucson, AZ, USA; USC Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws a pass against the Arizona Wildcats during the first half at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

Rose Bowl: USC vs. Penn State – Jan. 2, 5 p.m. ET

Considering the immense history wrapped up into the Rose Bowl Game, you always prefer when it’s a game that’s worthy of participating in adding to the legacy. Pitting two of the hottest team in the country entering bowl season certainly qualifies in that regard, which is what fans will be treated to on Jan. 2 as the USC Trojans stay in California and welcome the Big Ten Champion Penn State Nittany Lions to town.

Once the Trojans put redshirt freshman Sam Darnold in at quarterback, their season turned around immensely. How they misjudged the position so tremendously in the preseason is one of the most baffling mysteries of this season. But Darnold is at the helm now and has been a revelation. Anchored by weapons like Ronald Jones II and JuJu Smith-Schuster and an aggressive, athletic defense, the Trojans may actually be the best team in the Pac-12 if not for the losses without Darnold at the helm.

Penn State, on the other hand, had a viable case for making the College Football Playoff after handing Ohio State their lone loss of the season and defeating Wisconsin in the Big Ten title game. Sophomore running back Saquon Barkley has emerged as a Heisman candidate for next season with his tremendous effort this season while Trace McSorley has gotten stronger as the year has gone on.

All that in mind, I don’t think the Nittany Lions defense has an answer for USC with Darnold at quarterback. He’s that good and has too many weapons for their defense to be able to handle. Unfortunately, I also think that the Trojans defense has enough talent to slow down their attack and ultimately emerge as the victors.

Prediction: USC: 34, Penn State: 24

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