Pressure builds on Matt Campbell before Penn State hosts No. 18 USC

A 17-point home lead slipped away ahead of kickoff

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated 19h1 min read

Will Matt Campbell and Penn State right the ship next week when the Nittany Lions host No. 18 USC? 😬 https://t.co/BCvbnZ Via @YahooSports on X

What happened: Matt Campbell heads into next week under heavier scrutiny as Penn State prepares to host No. 18 USC. The temperature around the program rose after Penn State let a 17-point lead get away at home.

Why it matters: The USC game now carries immediate weight because it offers a quick chance to stop the slide against a ranked opponent. Another poor result would sharpen questions around Campbell's start and Penn State's direction.

By the numbers: USC is ranked No. 18, and Penn State's latest stumble followed a blown 17-point home lead.

What to watch: Attention turns to Penn State's response this week and whether it can steady itself before USC arrives. Campbell's handling of the aftermath will remain the central storyline.

Sources

@YahooSports 2026-10-03T14:43:40.305890+00:00

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