College Football bowl season kicked off last week, but we're still a few weeks away from the Granddaddy of Them All. When is the Rose Bowl? USC and Penn State will kick off at 2 pm PST on Monday, January 2 in Pasadena, California.
This should be one of the best matchups of the postseason, playoffs included. Both of these teams are red hot, and they went a combined 2-0 against playoff teams this season. USC beat Washington 26-13 in Seattle on November 12, while Penn State handed Ohio State their only loss of the season on October 22 by a final score of 24-21.
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On October 1 these two teams were a combined 3-5. Since? They're 17-0. If not for that first month of the season, this matchup could very well be at the Peach Bowl or the Fiesta Bowl, with the winner moving on to the National Championship. Instead, they'll have to settle for one of the more interesting Rose Bowls in recent memory.
Penn State won the Big Ten championship over Wisconsin on December 3, something no one expected before the season. The Big Ten preseason media poll picked them to finish fourth in the East this year.
USC was a little more respected coming into the year — by the preseason Pac 12 media poll at least, which had the Trojans finishing second in the South division behind UCLA. They did finish second, but behind the Colorado Buffaloes, rather than the Bruins.
Watch for USC's do-it-all defensive back/returner/wide receiver Adoree' Jackson. He's straight-up unbelievable.
Penn State has a few guys of their own — quarterback Trace McSorley is playing very well behind a much-improved offensive line, and running back Shaquon Barkley has 19 touchdowns from scrimmage this season, the most of any Power 5 player.Who will win the Rose Bowl?
Whatever happens January 2 at 2 pm Pacific, it's going to be wild.
