Los Angeles— For a while, it appeared that Penn State’s fortunes would remain unchanged.

Despite typically winning seasons, the Nittany Lions struggle to win big games, raising concerns about their potential as a great club. When the lights shone brightest, Penn State frequently failed to realize its full potential and was forced to settle for second place in NCAA football.

Making its first journey out West for a Big Ten game against Southern California, it appeared like the narrative would stick following a double-digit defeat at halftime.

Instead of collapsing, Penn State showed courage, punched back, and will depart Golden State with a 33-30 overtime victory, demonstrating that it has the potential to be the program’s first College Football Playoff squad.

“We found a way to get a tough win on the road,” Nittany Lions coach James Franklin said. “There’s still a ton of stuff that we can get better, but we’re 1-0 and that equals 6-0, and I’m gonna take it and run to the airport.”

The difficult start Saturday likely evoked some painful recollections for Nittany Lions supporters, who are all too aware that those few losses have led in major adjustments in the season direction.

Penn State had allowed 76.2 yards per game on the ground prior to the meeting. USC took an early lead with a 75-yard touchdown run by running back Quinten Joyner, who faked a reverse. The rest of the first half was all USC, with big plays pounding the Nittany Lions defense and keeping the road team out of the end zone, resulting in a 20-6 lead after two quarters.