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USC, Penn State can thank Steve Sarkisian for Rose Bowl

Welcome to the Rose Bowl completely shaped by Steve Sarkisian.

If that sounds scary, it should, unless you are a Washington, USC or Penn State fan.

When Sarkisian left Washington for USC, it allowed the Huskies to hire Chris Petersen and become one of the nation’s top four teams. When Sarkisian was fired by USC, it allowed Clay Helton to calmly restore the Trojans to their current top 10 status.

So how did Sarkisian shape Penn State? Nittany Lions coach James Franklin was identified by former USC athletic director Pat Haden as a candidate to replace Lane Kiffin the summer before Kiffin was fired in 2013.