Matt Boermeester missed two field-goal attempts.
He did not miss a third.
The USC kicker lined up from 46 yards and split the uprights as time expired and the ninth-ranked Trojans defeated fifth-ranked Penn State, 52-49, to win the 103rd Rose Bowl.
Safety Leon McQuay II intercepted a pass by Nittany Lions quarterback Trace McSorley with 38 seconds remaining in the game to se tup the game-winning drive.
USC finished the season 10-3, winning nine consecutive games after a 1-3 start. Penn State fell to 11-3.
The Trojans went into halftime leading 27-21, but the Nittany Lions scored three touchdowns in three plays in the third quarter to take a 42-27 lead behind running back Saquon Barkley and receiver Chris Godwin.