Penn State passed a big test with its comeback win against USC in Los Angeles on Saturday.

The Nittany Lions offense came into its own late in the fourth quarter and the defense thwarted the Trojans' only possession of overtime, holding the hosts to a missed field goal attempt.

Here are my five Penn State players who succeeded.

Dani Dennis Sutton. The Lions' defensive end started the game by tackling USC running back Woody Marks for a one-yard loss. He also dropped Marks, resulting in a three-yard loss on the Trojans' only possession in overtime. Dennis-Sutton was also in a hurry as quarterback.

Drew Allar. Penn State's third-year quarterback threw three interceptions against USC. He had three interceptions in his Lions career before entering the game. But Allar finished with 391 passing yards and two touchdowns. He also had 32 rushing yards. When PSU needed a touchdown late in the fourth quarter, Allar led the offense with a 12-play, 75-yard march that tied the game.

Ryan Barker. Four field goal attempts, four field goals. Barker made shots of 34, 33, 20 and 36 yards, the last one winning the game.

Jaylen Reed. The Lions' veteran safety had six stops and ended USC's final regulation possession by intercepting a pass from PSU's Miller Moss. Reed also drew a call on Marks, which negated a 42-yard completion from Moss to Duce Robinson that went to the Lions' 4.

Julian Fleming. The day didn't start well for Fleming, who was called for offensive pass interference on a touchdown catch by Tyler Warren in the first quarter. PSU had to settle for a field goal. But Fleming's two catches for 17 and 16 yards in the fourth quarter – his only catches – allowed the Lions to convert two fourth downs on their late touchdown drive that forced overtime.