How long has its been since USC’s last Rose Bowl appearance? That would be eight years. And funnily enough in 2017 they’re set against the same opponent, Penn State.
In that game Mark Sanchez had one of his best outings as a Trojan, in what would also be his last game at USC. He lit up the Nittany Lions with four touchdowns and 413 yards en route to a 38-24 victory.
This year’s contest will feature two of the hottest teams in college football, much like it did then. Penn State won their conference and also beat Ohio State earlier in the season.