Later this evening the College Football Playoff Semifinals will take place. Obviously, a lot is on the line in those two match-ups with the winners punching their ticket to the National Championship game.

As you all know, Penn State just missed out on an opportunity to play for a national title coming in at fifth in the final College Football Playoff rankings. By now, hopefully the sting from the Nittany Lions getting within one spot of the CFP has worn off. If not, have your spouse or significant other go out and buy you some flowers to make you feel better, maybe some roses?In the literary world, what I just did there is called foreshadowing, although it wasn't very subtle. Because even though Penn State won't be playing for a shot at a national title today, they will be playing for a right to win the "granddaddy of them all," the Rose Bowl and for a Big Ten school that in no way should ever be considered a consolation prize.If you're disappointed in where the Nittany Lions are playing this bowl season, just stop and smell the roses. OK, honestly, that's the last one, I promise. All kidding aside, think about where this team was this season at 2-2 or the last two seasons when they finished 7-6. Now, nine games after that 2-2 start, Penn State is No. 5 in the country and has been crowned Big Ten Champions.The Nittany Lions program has endured a bowl ban, transfers, and an unprecedented amount of lost scholarships, and two new head coaches. Not only is the program still standing, it's flourishing and it's a testament to the coaches, players, administration, alumni, and the fans for all getting behind the Penn State program when the NCAA and the national media pundits put it out to pasture.As noted, there is a lot on the line in the CFP Semis today, but I believe there is just as much on the line in the Rose Bowl for Penn State as if they were playing in the CFP.First of all, let's look at the match-up. The Nittany Lions are facing the second-hottest team in the country in the No. 9 ranked USC Trojans. The Trojans started the season 1-3 and since then have won eight straight, including a whooping over No. 4 ranked Washington. Even some of the CFP analysts believed that USC had a right to play in the CFP (I think that's crazy with three losses, but who am I?).To stop USC, you must stop quarterback Sam Darnold. Darnold is the reason for the Trojans turnaround as he's thrown for 2,633 yards with 26 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Darnold got USC back to winning football games this season, which means his team believes in him and is behind him. That can be a dangerous recipe. The Penn State pass rush must be able to put pressure on Darnold, so he can't get comfortable in the pocket. If he gets comfortable it could be a long day for the Penn State defense.Penn State must also be solid in stopping the run. USC running back Ronald Jones has rushed for 1,066 yards and 11 touchdowns this season. Jones is explosive and is averaging 6.7 yards per carry. The Nittany Lions have been doing a good job of keeping teams off-balance as of late, forcing teams to be one-dimensional. That trend must continue against the Trojans.On the offensive side of the ball, the Penn State faithful must continue to recite their mantra this season, which is "In Trace we trust." McSorley has been a pleasant surprise and an all out gun slinger with the football. When in doubt, just chuck it to the heavens seems to be the game plan most times with the red shirt sophomore behind center.In all actuality, opposing defenses have been stacking the box to stop Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year Saquon Barkley from breaking the big run (1,302 yards, 16 TDs). McSorley has taken advantage when challenged to throw the ball deep, as he's thrown for 3,360 yards with 25 touchdowns and just five interceptions.USC is allowing 22 points per game and just 133.7 rushing yards per game, which means Barkley could have a tough day running the football. That makes McSorley and his host of talented receivers' performance even more important. Penn State is led by Chris Godwin in the receiving department with 50 catches for 795 yards and nine touchdowns. Besides Godwin, the Nittany Lions have five other receivers that have 300 or more yards receiving on the season.The Penn State wide receivers will face arguably its stiffest test against the USC secondary. Adoree Jackson is one of the best cornerbacks in the country and will be tough to beat deep. It's safe to say that we will find out how good the Penn State wide receiving group is come Monday evening (5:10 p.m. ET, ABC)Las Vegas has USC as a seven-point favorite.This is a tough one, with the Nittany Lions traveling all the way west to face the Trojans close to home. But I just like this team's momentum. I think Penn State will finish what they started in game five of the season and take care of business, finishing the season with a 10-game win streak.My pick is Penn State 27, USC 24.