Penn State · Big TenPenn State’s skid puts Matt Campbell under pressure
The Nittany Lions are 0-2 in the Big Ten after allowing 413 rushing yards at Northwestern and face 5-1 USC before Michigan.
OCT 7, 2026
Rushing yards allowed at Northwestern
Big Ten record
Combined margin in first two conference losses
01 · The NewsCampbell Under Pressure
Penn State’s consecutive Big Ten losses, including Friday’s 34-13 defeat at Northwestern, have left first-year coach Matt Campbell under mounting pressure before Saturday’s home matchup with No. 19 USC.
“We’re trying to get everyone on the roster ready to play,” Campbell said earlier in the season. After Penn State fell 24-20 to Wisconsin on Sept. 26 and then surrendered 413 rushing yards at Northwestern, that process has taken on a sharper edge.
The results also undercut Josh Pate’s preseason bracket, which placed Penn State No. 7 in the playoff field. The Nittany Lions opened 3-0 against Marshall, Temple and Buffalo, then lost their first two conference games by a combined 25 points. Northwestern scored 34 points while Penn State managed 13, making run defense the clearest problem heading into USC.
Campbell brought 24 players from Iowa State as quick fixes for the Big Ten schedule. Two conference games have not solved Penn State’s problems against Big Ten competition, and Campbell said he has to “evaluate a lot of things” before the USC matchup. He has not identified which offensive or defensive players could receive expanded roles.
Penn State hosts USC at 7:30 p.m. ET Saturday, Oct. 10. The Nittany Lions’ playoff path is gone, and the question has narrowed to whether Campbell can make the roster changes necessary to stop the run and keep the season from slipping further before Michigan.
For Campbell, the first answer will come from the players he chooses to put on the field against USC.
02 · The StakesThe Stakes
The Nittany Lions are 3-2 overall and 0-2 in the Big Ten, and Yahoo Sports has reported that their College Football Playoff hopes are gone. USC, 5-1, is followed by a trip to Michigan on Oct. 17, leaving Penn State little room to recover in the conference race. The USC game could determine whether Campbell’s roster can regain credibility before the schedule gets tougher.
03 · The Watch ListWhat We're Watching
Can Penn State stop the run?
The tell is whether the defense improves after surrendering 413 rushing yards at Northwestern.
Does the offense respond against USC?
Penn State managed 13 points against Northwestern, making its scoring output another immediate check.