How It Works
USC Trojans vs Penn State Nittany Lions — Rose Bowl, January 2, 2017
52–49BOWL-NY6
About This Game
The 2017 Rose Bowl delivered one of college football's most electrifying finales—a back-and-forth offensive showcase where two elite teams combined for nearly 100 points and refused to surrender. USC, trailing 49-35 with nine minutes remaining, engineered a stunning fourth-quarter comeback that culminated in a dramatic 46-yard field goal by Matt Boermeester as time expired, securing a 52-49 victory.
The scoring barrage began immediately, with Deontay Burnett's 26-yard touchdown reception giving USC an early 7-0 lead. Penn State stormed back through the second and third quarters, with Saquon Barkley's spectacular 79-yard rushing touchdown and Trace McSorley's three touchdown passes shifting momentum decisively in the Nittany Lions' favor. A 72-yard scoring strike to Chris Godwin pushed Penn State's lead to 35-27 midway through the third quarter.
But Darnold refused to relent. The Trojans answered with crucial scoring drives, with Burnett hauling in two more touchdown receptions to keep USC alive. A tying 27-yard Burnett TD with 1:20 remaining set the stage for Boermeester's heart-stopping winner. This breathtaking Rose Bowl exemplifies why college football captivates audiences—two great programs trading blows until the final second. Relive every drive, momentum shift, and crucial play with a custom Gameprint.
Game highlights: Saquon Barkley's 79-yard rushing touchdown, Trace McSorley's 72-yard scoring pass to Chris Godwin, Deontay Burnett's three touchdown receptions, Penn State's 14-point fourth-quarter collapse, Matt Boermeester's game-winning 46-yard field goal as time expired
Summary written with AI from the official play-by-play.
A Gift for Every Game
The best gifts for college football fans aren’t generic team merch — they’re personal. A Gameprint of USC Trojans vs Penn State Nittany Lions captures a specific game that means something: a rivalry win, a season to remember, a night at the arena. Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays.
Were you there? If you or a friend went to this game, a Gameprint turns that memory into a lasting keepsake — the exact game you watched live, every play on your wall. There’s a gift for every game you’ve ever been to.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did USC Trojans play Penn State Nittany Lions?
USC Trojans played Penn State Nittany Lions in the Rose Bowl on January 2, 2017 at Rose Bowl.
What was the final score of USC Trojans vs Penn State Nittany Lions?
The final score was USC Trojans 52, Penn State Nittany Lions 49.
What does the USC Trojans vs Penn State Nittany Lions Gameprint show?
Every drive — touchdowns, field goals, punts and turnovers — from the official play-by-play of this game, laid out in order from kickoff to the final whistle, in your choice of team colors.
Is this a good gift for a USC Trojans or Penn State Nittany Lions fan?
Yes — a Gameprint of USC Trojans vs Penn State Nittany Lions is a one-of-a-kind gift. Unlike generic team merchandise, it captures a specific game they actually care about. Popular for birthdays, graduations, Father’s Day, and holiday gifts.
Can I gift this to someone who was at the game?
Absolutely. If a friend or family member attended USC Trojans vs Penn State Nittany Lions, a Gameprint turns that memory into wall art — the actual plays from the game they watched live. Customize the colors to make it personal.
Sizes, framing, shipping and color options: see the Gameprints FAQ.
USC vs Penn State in numbers
- 2 lead changes
- 1 time tied
- 15-point largest lead (Penn State)
- 28–0 run, the longest of the game (Penn State)
- 31 drives
- 13 touchdown drives (USC 6, Penn State 7)
- 6 drives ended by a turnover or on downs (USC 2, Penn State 4)
- 83-yard touchdown drive, the longest of the game (USC)
USC came back from 15 points down to win 52–49.
Counted from the play-by-play behind this print — every drive on the poster is one of these plays.
