Penn State’s defensive backs pride themselves on being one of the best secondaries in the country.
They will receive their stiffest challenge when the fourth-ranked Nittany Lions (2-0 Big Ten, 5-0) take on USC (1-2, 3-2) Saturday at 3:30 (TV-CBS) at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
The Trojans rank 20th in the nation in passing yards with quarterback Miller Moss and several athletic wide receivers, including speedster Zachariah Branch.
“They’re a pass-heavy offense,” Penn State safety Jaylen Reed said. “Their quarterback is a great player. They have great receivers. They have great playmakers. It’s more of a spread offense. It’s something we’ve seen before, but not as much as they do. We’ll be prepared.”
After waiting behind Caleb Williams for two seasons, Moss has completed 64.5% of his passes for 1,398 yards and nine touchdowns with four interceptions, including two last week in a loss at Minnesota.
He burst onto the scene last year when he threw six touchdown passes against Louisville with Williams opting out of the Holiday Bowl.
“He’s a great player with a great arm,” Reed said. “He’s a great athlete. He makes great decisions with the ball. Their offensive coordinator does a great job of setting him up for success. This game is a great opportunity for our defense.”
Penn State has limited four of its five opponents to less than 200 passing yards. Bowling Green’s Connor Bazelak threw for 254 yards and two touchdowns in a 34-27 loss to the Lions.
“They have a lot of length and athleticism in the secondary,” USC coach Lincoln Riley said.
Since losing premier safety KJ Winston to a long-term injury, Penn State has had to shuffle some pieces.
The Lions went into the season seeking to primarily play a 4-2-5 defense under new coordinator Tom Allen with Reed closer to the line of scrimmage as a hybrid linebacker and safety.
Reed has played more on the back end of the defense after Winston’s injury. But with freshman Dejuan Lane gaining more experience at safety, Reed spent most of the afternoon at the hybrid position against UCLA last week.
“The impact that he’s had on the team has been big,” Reed said about Lane. “Him stepping up and being ready for that role is a big thing for us and a great thing for my future, too.”
Reed leads Penn State with 33 tackles, including three for losses. Zakee Wheatley, who plays the other safety position, made seven tackles against UCLA, including one in the backfield.
“I think he’s playing really well,” Lions coach James Franklin said. “I thought he was flashing last week, playing fast and playing physical. He continues to play faster and with more confidence.”
A.J. Harris (Georgia) and Jalen Kimber (Florida), who transferred from Southeastern Conference schools, have played very well after Penn State lost cornerbacks Kalen King, Daequan Hardy and Johnny Dixon following last season.
“They bring a lot to the team,” Reed said. “They help us a lot. Coach T (cornerbacks coach Terry Smith) and Coach Franklin decided to go into the transfer portal to get corners. They’ve been a great addition to our room. They’ve built depth in the room and are helping the young guys learn and get better.”
The Lions will be challenged by Branch and Ja’Kobi Lane, who have 21 receptions apiece to lead USC. Lane has four TD catches and Duce Robinson has three.
“I wouldn’t say they’re the best group (of wide receivers),” Reed said, “but they have more depth than we have seen. They’re all talented. They’re big. They’re very fast. They’re going to be a huge test for our defense.”
