What time does Penn State play USC? Game time, channel, streaming info, storylines, more

Penn State hits the road this week for its first away Big Ten contest in 2024. The Nittany Lions take on USC this Saturday in Los Angeles.

Get ready for Lions-Trojans with our early game preview.

Time and TV info

Kickoff is 3:30 p.m. ET on CBS. The network's top crew of Brad Nessler (play by play), Gary Danielson (color commentator), and Jenny Dell (sideline reporter) will call the game.

What is the Penn State-USC spread?

Penn State was a 6.5-point favorite for this game back in May. However, a look-ahead line released last Friday at FanDuel made the Lions a 3.5-point favorite. Now that Week 6 action is in the books, head coach James Franklin's team is officially a 4.5-point favorite. The total opened at 52.5 but is now down to 48.5.

Game week schedule for the Lions

This will be a tweaked week for the Nittany Lions. On Monday, head coach James Franklin will hold his first news conference of the week around lunchtime. He will also speak after Wednesday's practice. The team will travel to Los Angeles Thursday out of Harrisburg Internation Airport, which means Franklin will not appear on that evening's Penn State Coaches Show. Select players will talk to reporters on ZOOM or after practice in person Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively. There will not be an assistant coach call this week due to the team's travel schedule.

What's up with USC?

The Trojans are now 3-2 on the year and 1-2 in Big Ten play after being upset at Minnesota 24-17 as an 8.5-point favorite. Head coach Lincoln Riley's team twice lead in the game but the Golden Gophers tied it midway through the fourth quarter and won it late in the final stanza. The Trojans have had good moments this season on offense with Miller Moss at quarterback, on defense, which is coordinator by Lions alum D'Anton Lynn, and on special teams. But, consistently strong play across all three phases, especially in key moments, is a major reason why the team has two setbacks already.

Weather report

Weather.com calls for a warm and dry day. It's early report calls for "Partly cloudy skies. High 83F. Winds light and variable."

Early Penn State-USC storylines