What Penn State Coach James Franklin Said About USC Trojans, Miller Moss

The USC Trojans will face the No. 4 Penn State Nittany Lions on Saturday, Oct. 12. Here is everything that Penn State coach James Franklin said about USC and Trojans quarterback Miller Moss.

Oct 5, 2024; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin (center) looks on from the sideline during the second quarter against the UCLA Bruins at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images / Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images

The unranked USC Trojans will face the No. 4 Penn State Nittany Lions on Oct. 12. USC is coming from a tough loss in week six, pushing them out of the top 2, and Penn State is one of the toughest opponents the Trojans will face this year. 

Penn State coach James Franklin spoke to the media ahead of the matchup. Franklin opened the conversation about USC, speaking highly of the overall program. 

“Obviously, USC speaks for itself. A program with tremendous tradition and history,” Franklin said. “We’re looking forward to this opportunity and the venue, so should be a great opportunity for us.”

Oct 5, 2024; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin (center) looks on from the sideline during the second quarter against the UCLA Bruins at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images / Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images

Being a USC home game, the Nittany Lions will have to travel across the country. Penn State has had to adjust their travel plans because they are unable to fly out of State College. Penn State plans to fly out of Harrisburg on the Thursday before the game. 

Talking about the Trojans, Franklin spoke highly of the strength of USC’s offense and coach Lincoln Riley. He highlighted specific offensive players that the Nittany Lions are preparing for, starting with Trojans quarterback Miller Moss.

“Got a ton of respect for what they do offensively. They’ve been able to score points and put up yards for a long time and a lot of different places against a bunch of different teams,” Franklin said. “It’ll be challenging and it’s always challenging when they got a quarterback and they do in Miller Moss who’s done some really good things in his time at USC, back to the bowl game last year.”

Oct 5, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; USC Trojans running back Woody Marks (4) runs the ball against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the first half at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images / Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Franklin also highlighted USC wide receivers Zachariah Branch and Ja’Kobi Lane, and running back Woody Marks as players that stand out to him.

“Running back Woody Marks has been impressive on film,” Franklin stated. “Just literally got done watching again the Minnesota game before coming over here and really did some nice things.”

Though Franklin says he does not personally know USC coach D’Anton Lynn, Franklin does highlight that Lynn is a Penn State graduate. He also has high respect for Lynn as a defensive coordinator.

“Had a top fifteen defense last year at UCLA and has done a really good job already at his time at USC,” Franklin said. “Guys that are Penn State grads, I track, and obviously the success that he had last year. Obviously, he is a guy we had on our radar and have on our radar.” 

Franklin did not speak long about the specifics of USC’s defense, but he did state the players that the Nittany Lions will be keeping a close eye on: defensive end Anthony Lucas, linebacker Easton Mascarenas-Arnold, linebacker Eric Gentry, and safety Kamari Ramsey.

Sep 21, 2024; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin reacts from the sideline during the fourth quarter against the Kent State Golden Flashes at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images / Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images

Franklin believes it will be the special teams plays that are the most important in the game against USC. Franklin highlighted Trojans punter, Eddie Czaplicki, and once again emphasized Branch’s role on the team.

Talking about Branch as a returner, Franklin said, “He’s had a very very explosive career last year and this year as a punt return, kick returner. So, he has our attention for sure.”

Penn State has defeated 25 unranked opponents in a row. While the Trojans are unranked that does not mean Penn State is taking USC lightly. The USC vs. Penn State matchup will kick off at 12:30 p.m. PT at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

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