Penn State vs. USC Expert Preview: Biggest Matchups, X-Factors & Predictions!

USC should be the better team heading into Saturday's Whiteout at Beaver Stadium. But can Lincoln Riley and the Trojans actually put together a complete game against a struggling Penn State team?Zach Seyko of Locked On Nittany Lions and Marc Kulkin of Locked On USC break down the biggest matchups, weaknesses and X-factors for Penn State vs. USC.Penn State enters the matchup following ugly losses to Wisconsin and Northwestern, with major questions surrounding Rocco Becht, the offense and the defense. USC brings a dangerous attack led by Jayden Maiava, but its inconsistencies, penalties and road performances raise legitimate concerns.The two hosts also debate whether Lincoln Riley or Matt Campbell has more at stake, discuss D'Anton Lynn's familiarity with USC and make their final score predictions.Who wins the Whiteout? Share your prediction in the comments and subscribe for daily Penn State football coverage.Photo credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectBecome an every-dayer! Subscribe to Locked On Nittany Lions on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lockedonnittanylions?sub\_confirmation=1Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!KALSHIFor a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next.Butcher BoxIf you're looking for an easier way to get great meals on the table, give ButcherBox a try. Go to https://ButcherBox.com/LOCKEDONCOLLEGE to get $20 off your first box, plus your choice of free ribeye, new york strip, or filet mignon in every box for a year — with free shipping always.SupplyHouseVisit https://SupplyHouse.com/TM to learn more about becoming a Trade Master.  Use promo code S H 5 College for five percent off your first order.  SupplyHouse. Real people. Real service.WayfairTransform your space with pieces that hold up to real life.  Join Wayfair Rewards today and get five percent back on every purchase.  Head to https://Wayfair.com or shop the Wayfair app for all things home. Every style. Every home.OdooGreat organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.GametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.FanDuelThis season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LONittanyLions?sid=YouTubeLocked On College Conferences, HBCU, Basketball & More🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnCollegeFollow the show on X!https://x.com/LockedOnNittanyhttps://x.com/zach\_seyko#lockedonnittanylions #pennstate #nittanylions #pennstatefootball #collegefootball #bigtenfootball #ncaafootball #lockedon #weare #football0:00 Intro1:42 USC's Inconsistency and Road Struggles4:18 Does Cross-Country Travel Actually Matter?7:36 USC's Biggest Weaknesses8:48 Jayden Maiava vs. Rocco Becht12:53 Who Has More to Lose: Campbell or Riley?16:43 What a Penn State Upset Could Mean19:14 Why USC Needs a Road Win24:57 USC's Discipline and Defensive Issues27:47 Can Rocco Becht Hurt USC?28:30 D'Anton Lynn vs. Lincoln Riley31:00 Final Score Predic