[Bette]

Penn State's offense got off to a fast start, averaging 45.4 points in its first eight outings. However, some weaknesses were exposed during a 13-6 victory at Ohio State and the unit didn't get back on track until a 49-18 drubbing of Michigan State in the regular-season finale. During the three-game stretch in between, Penn State averaged 23.3 points and suffered its only loss, a 24-23 setback at Iowa. Film evaluation shows that the biggest problems stemmed from Ohio State's ability to get pressure on QB Daryll Clark, who left that game with a concussion. The Buckeyes used smaller edge rushers and kept a rotation of fresh legs to generate pressure off the perimeter. They also employed some timely interior blitzes with faster linebackers and defensive backs to exploit the Nittany Lions overall lack of athleticism along their cohesive but somewhat overrated offensive line. If the Nittany Lions thought the Ohio State that defensive front was fast, wait until USC unleashes its group of gazelles on Clark. Simply put, there is not a more ferocious defense in college football than Pete Carroll's Trojans. Not even close. From elite talent to adept coaching to rare scheme versatility, USC has it all.

ESPN - NCAA College Football