Southern California, Penn State face off in 103rd Rose Bowl

Penn State (11-2, Big Ten) vs. Southern California (9-3, Pac-12), Jan. 2, 5 p.m. EST

LOCATION: Pasadena, Calif.

TOP PLAYERS

Penn State: RB Saquon Barkley. 1,302 yards rushing, 5.3 yards per carry, 16 TDs.

USC: QB Sam Darnold. 2,633 yards passing, 26 TDs, 8 INTs, 68.1 completion percentage.

NOTABLE

Penn State: After finishing the season with a nine-game winning streak and a victory over Wisconsin in the Big Ten title game, the Nittany Lions are back in the Rose Bowl for the first time since 2009.

USC: After a 1-3 start to coach Clay Helton's first full season in charge, the Trojans have won eight straight to return to their favorite postseason destination, leapfrogging Colorado to grab the berth.

LAST TIME

USC 38, Penn State 24 (Jan. 1, 2009)

BOWL HISTORY

Penn State: 4th trip to Rose Bowl, 46th bowl game overall. Lost the TaxSlayer Bowl to Georgia 24-16 last season.

USC: Record 34th trip to Rose Bowl, 53rd bowl game overall. Lost the Holiday Bowl to Wisconsin 23-21 last season.

___

For more college football: www.collegefootball.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_Top25