The Big Ten has players representing both the East and West Coasts, making travel a big concern for teams heading to the other side of the country.
It will be an interesting storyline when No. 4 Penn State travels to Los Angeles to take on USC this Saturday. In a recent press conference, Nittany Lion head coach James Franklin said the State College airport would have to be changed if travel to the West is required.
“For me, I think that’s one of the things that has to be discussed,” Franklin told the media. “There are a lot of different reasons for expanding the size of the runway here, the airport here…because we decided to make this move in the Big Ten…that’s the important part, you add two more hours. We’re talking about getting on a plane and going on a trip.”
After taking a bus to Harrisburg, Penn State plans to fly to Los Angeles on Thursday for Saturday’s game against the University of Southern California, James Franklin said, citing limited runway length at the State College airport. I am saddened by the fact that I am being treated as such. clock… pic.twitter.com/i0zQQbC02w
— Mike Poorman (@PSUPoorman) October 7, 2024
Travel aspects aside, this matchup between Penn State and USC pits two exciting offenses against each other. The Nittany Lions and Trojans have both averaged over 30 points per game thus far, highlighted by great quarterback play from Drew Aller and Miller Moss, respectively.
The game is also a rematch of one of the best Rose Bowl games in recent memory, in 2017 when the University of Southern California defeated Penn State 52-49. This game featured some of the most talented players in the NFL. Saquon Barkley, Chris Godwin and Mike Gesicki represented the Nittany Lions, while Sam Darnold, JuJu Smith-Schuster and Adoree’ Jackson represented the Trojans.
Both teams could benefit greatly from Saturday’s win. Penn State will be looking to get off to a hot start, while Southern California will be looking to catch up in the Big Ten race after a disappointing road loss to Minnesota.
