Penn State defense can’t stop 19th-ranked USC, Jayden Maiava in 31-23 loss

AI Summary

USC defeated Penn State 31-23, with quarterback Jayden Maiava and USC’s receivers proving difficult for Penn State’s defense to contain. Penn State’s coaches struggled to choose between blitzing and dropping extra defenders into coverage.

STATE COLLEGE – Matt Campbell and D’Anton Lynn faced the daunting task Saturday night of what to do with USC quarterback Jayden Maiava and his speedy fleet of wide receivers. Campbell, the Penn State football coach, and Lynn, his defensive coordinator, had to decide whether to send blitzers at Maiava or drop eight men into pass coverage. They often chose to rush three and Maiava made them pay ...