Gray skies and uncharacteristically cold Los Angeles weather failed to keep the USC Trojans down in the first half of their first Rose Bowl game in eight years. However, despite an easy lead in the first quarter, the Trojans began to meet their match in the Penn State Lions beginning in the second quarter.

Though it started off as a presumed defensive domination with two USC interceptions on the first two Penn State possessions, Penn State was able to overcome the staunch USC defense to show some signs of offensive life.

Last six minutes of the #RoseBowl have been ??? pic.twitter.com/l5WTzEBl6B — Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 2, 2017

While the USC offense appeared to be hitting on all eight cylinders with Sam Darnold’s precise arm and Adoree’ Jackson’s electrifying defensive and offensive moves, Penn State’s ability to innovate and move the ball has kept the game more tense than most Trojans would have liked.

@tianathefirst