USC Football WR Tanook Hines is Feeling Great Ahead of Penn State

The USC Trojans football team is traveling to play the Penn St Nittany Lions for a October 10 showdown. 

The No.19 Trojans are 5-1 heading into this game and are coming off of a win against conference foe and longtime Pac 12 rival, the Washington Huskies (3-2). 

Star wide receiver Tanook Hines spoke to the media this week and when asked what he thought about the Penn State secondary, he responded with” nothing much for real”, “probably just the stadium”.

Hines is referring to the Penn St tradition of the annual “White Out” game when most Penn St fans will be wearing white in an effort to show solidarity. The themed evening will also be an attempt to distract and intimidate the Men of Troy. 

USC’s passing offense is among the best in the nation. Hines' confidence is somewhat justified as USC leads the nation in explosive plays in the passing game. 

Led by Jadan Maiava, USC has had 26 passing plays of over 20 yards. Hines who missed games early in the season is now healthy with 11 receptions for 113 yards, along with three touchdowns. 

When asked about his health and if there are lingering issues, he stated “I already feel my best right now”. 

USC might be without its best wide receiver in freshman Trent Mosley. Mosley, who missed the last game, has scored five touchdowns in USC’s first three games. If Mosley cannot play, Hines will be called upon to play a bigger role.

Hines' response is somewhat concerning when you consider that Penn State has one of the best pass defenses in the nation. Penn State is No. 3 nationally in pass defense, while having the best pass defense in the Big Ten. They also have a +6 turnover margin.

Audavion Collins is the top cornerback for Penn State. Collins ranks No.4 in the nation in pass break ups with seven. One thing to consider is Penn State has played Marshall, Temple, and Buffalo. USC will bring not only an elite pass offense, but the No. 5 team in the nation in explosive run plays. USC has had over 30 runs of 10 yards or more.

With back-to-back losses to the Wisconsin Badgers and Northwestern Wildcats, Matt Campbell's team is hungry for their first conference win. The need for a win is also important because Penn St allowed over 400 yards of rushing to Northwestern in what looked like a blowout loss, losing 34-13.

Lincoln Riley teams have struggled on the road during his time at USC. The first east coast road trip saw USC almost get upset by a bad Rutgers team (USC won 42-35). 

Hines has reason to be confident and optimistic based on the talent USC has. USC will need to play a good game to win based on their road issues. USC will also need to win to slow the hot seat that is forming under its head coach.