What happened: True freshman offensive lineman Vlad Dyakonov filled in at left tackle for USC during Saturday's matchup against Penn State in State College. Dyakonov entered the starting lineup after regular starter Elijah Paige was ruled out with an injury shortly before kickoff.

Why it matters: Head coach Lincoln Riley credited Dyakonov on Monday's Trojans Live broadcast for his poise and competitiveness while learning the position on short notice. Steadying the offensive line on the road in the conference matchup against Penn State kept the unit intact despite the late absence at left tackle.

What to watch: USC enters an open week before returning to Big Ten action on the road against Wisconsin next Saturday.