Penn State’s Rose Bowl could’ve gotten off to a smoother start.
The first play of the game was a USC kickoff, and Penn State returner Miles Sanders misjudged it, allowing the ball to bounce away from him. Sanders fell on the ball at his own 3-yard line, setting up his offense with terrible field position.
On Penn State’s first play from scrimmage, quarterback Trace McSorley threw a punt-like interception to Trojans cornerback Iman Marshall, who ran it back to Penn State’s 35-yard line. Pretty inauspicious stuff, Nittany Lions.
There was good news coming, though. Penn State’s defense forced a three-and-out, and USC kicker Matt Boermeester missed a 51-yard field goal.
But then there was more bad news. McSorley’s second pass was also intercepted, with USC star Adoree’ Jackson collecting a tipped ball and bringing it back to about midfield. That made two completions to USC and zero to Penn State.
USC cashed in on the second interception and went up 7-0.
A potential explanation for the INT woes:
Good reminder that both of McSorley's INTs were throws to DeAndre Thompkins who is starting in place of suspended WR Saeed Blacknall.
— Black Shoe Diaries (@BSDtweet) January 2, 2017