Opportunity is knocking. The question is, will Penn State walk through the door?

The Nittany Lions headed for the west coast on Thursday as they are set to take on a dangerous USC team this afternoon (3:30 ET, CBS) in what is a critical game for both teams.

The reason I said the Trojans are dangerous is not just because they have the best athletes that the Nittany Lions will see up to this point in the season, but it’s also because their backs are against the wall.

At 3-2, one more loss will knock USC out of the College Football Playoff picture.

A team that is backed into a corner is always a dangerous team, because the players seem to play with a lot more energy, urgency and tenacity. The fact that the game is also at home at the Coliseum for the Trojans certainly presents its challenges for Penn State.

The on-field challenges for the Nittany Lions I believe will come in the form of Miller Moss and the Trojans’ passing attack. Moss has had some ups and downs this season, but there’s no denying his talent to operate at a high level. He’s thrown for 1,398 yards with nine touchdowns and four interceptions. Moss has a host of wide receivers to throw the football to. USC is led by Ja’Kobi Lane, who has hauled in 21 catches for 235 yards and four touchdowns. Zachariah Branch (227 yards) and Kyron Hudson (226 yards) have also been productive at the receiver spot for the Trojans. USC ranks 20th in the country in passing offense, averaging 292.8 points per game. The USC rushing attack has not been as formidable this season, as it ranks 78th in the country, but the Trojans do have a solid running back in Woody Marks (468 yards, 4 TDs).

However, when looking strictly at the match-up of Penn State’s defense vs. the Trojans’ offense, the Nittany Lions hold the advantage.

USC is one of the worst teams in the country at allowing pressure, while Penn State is one of the top defenses in the country at pressure rate. And that will be key, because that’s exactly what PSU will need to do. If the Nittany Lions are not able to get pressure, there is no doubt Moss will be able to make plays in the passing game. But all signs point to Penn State being able to win the battle up front, creating pressure — and in turn creating turnovers.

Credit has to be given to new USC defensive coordinator and Penn State alum D’Anton Lynn for helping to turn the Trojans’ defense around. USC couldn’t stop anybody last season and presently it’s ranked 35th in the country in total defense. So, that is a drastic improvement and a very nice turnaround.

Again, however, the Trojans have struggled at times in defending the run and with tackling in the run game. On the season, USC is giving up close to 160 yards on the ground per game, which ranks 87th in the country. One of the most impressive things about this PSU team this season has been its physicality on both sides of the line scrimmage.

Penn State has been especially physical in the trenches in the run game. That is something that should serve as a significant advantage for the Nittany Lions later this afternoon.

Penn State is averaging 218 rushing yards per game, which is good enough for 11th in the nation. Leading rusher Nick Singleton sat out last week with some bumps and bruises, which was done in order for him to be as fresh as possible for this contest. Singleton leads the team with 408 yards rushing and three touchdowns, and he’s averaging an impressive 7.7 yards per carry. Kaytron Allen has been once again a great complement to Singleton, as he’s rushed for 367 yards and two scores.

Last week in a road loss to Minnesota, USC gave up 193 yards rushing and three rushing touchdowns. The Gophers were able to consistently lean and grind on the Trojans, and I would expect Penn State to come out with a run-first mentality as well this afternoon.

Las Vegas has Penn State as a four-point favorite.

Again, this is a dangerous match-up for the Nittany Lions. USC can’t afford another loss and it’s evident that it’s a much better team at home than it’s been on the road this season. Both of the Trojans’ losses have come away from the Coliseum.

But if Penn State plays with the same physical approach that it has been playing with, then the Nittany Lions should be able to get out of Los Angeles with a big-time win.

My pick is Penn State 30, USC 24.