Penn State fans sticking with their home team

By no means is this a scientific poll. In fact, some Penn State fans tailgating outside the Rose Bowl this morning privately acknowledged they would pick USC to win today.

But a good portion of Nittany Nation expressed faith in their home team, though the Trojans are favored by 10 points. Here is a sampling of PSU fans sharing their predictions for today's game.

1. 27- 24 Penn State

“We definitely have a better running game than they do. Oregon State was successful running the ball against them. We can spread it out on them.”
     -- Alan Wahl, 40, forklift driver, Altoona, Pa.

2. 17-13 Penn State

“Turnovers will decide this game, whoever forces the big turnover. I have to [choose Penn State]. If lived out here, I’d be saying USC.”
     -- Jim Rabits, 39, laborer, Altoona, Pa.

3. 28-21 Penn State

“It’ll be close. [Penn State] has a good quarterback. Their defense is always great. Joe doesn’t have anything but great defenses.”
     -- Beth Laluk, medical coder, Huntington Beach (grew up in Emporium, Pa.)

4. 28-24 Penn State

“It’ll be a close game. But we have the best fans.”
     -- Emily Stoover, 17, senior at York Country Day, York, Pa.

5. 14-10 Penn State

“It’ll be a low-scoring game like when Penn State beat Ohio State this year.”
     -- Mitchell Stoover, 17, senior at York Country Day, York, Pa.

6. 27-20 Penn State

“I think it’ll be a defensive battle. It will wind up being a little messy. In the Big Ten, you have a lot of lower scoring games. As good as USC is, I see the Pac-10 have higher scoring games.”
     -- Amy Brewer, 27, industrial engineer, Columbia, S.C.

7. 24-21 Penn State

“USC is favored, but Penn State will make it a good game. People are underestimating Penn State’s defense.”
     -- Roy Duffin, 29, business consultant, Philadelphia

8. 31-24 Penn State

"Penn State will cause some turnovers and have a good run defense."
     -- Dan Kaytes, 35, financial consultant, Manhatttan, N.Y.

9. 21-10 Penn State

“Our defense is good and our offense is very balanced. How can you go against Paterno?”
     -- Bill Sekusky, Pitttson, Pa.

10. 20-17 Penn State

"I think it’ll be a struggle. Both teams will run the ball well. Evan Royster will run for 110 yards and two touchdowns. The offensive line will give him a push."
     -- Steve Botash, 22, senior at University of Scranton, Scranton, Pa.

-- Mark Medina

Photo: Penn State head Coach Joe Paterno greets fans at the stadium. Credit: Matt Sayles / Associated Press