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Saquon Barkley has been one of the most effective rushers in the nation. Getty

Two storied programs meet on Monday afternoon in the Rose Bowl when the No. 9 USC Trojans (9-3, 7-2 in the Pac-12) take on the No. 5 Penn State Nittany Lions (11-2, 8-1 in the Big Ten). This is the best season for both programs in quite some time and after years of subpar results due in large part to NCAA sanctions.

After enduring four straight mediocre seasons, USC and Penn State are more than pleased to be back in Pasadena, California, in January. Between 2012 and 2015, USC had just a 34-20 record, while Penn State had a 29-21 record. Patience appeared to be running thin in Happy Valley for head coach James Franklin entering the season after compiling a 14-12 record in two full seasons. Meanwhile, USC fans seemed exhausted by the coaching merry-go-round from former Pete Carroll assistants who had failed to live up to expectations.

But in 2016 the two programs turned things around and after rough starts. USC began the season with a 1-3 record and then won eight consecutive games, while Penn State followed up a 2-2 record with nine straight wins.

And both schools boast plenty of weapons on both sides of the ball. Penn State has scored at least 35 points in six straight games with much of the credit due to a solid offensive line and the stellar play of star quarterback Trace McSorley. The sophomore has given opposing defense fits, setting a school-record 3,360 passing yards and 25 touchdowns, while rushing for 352 yards and six touchdowns.

McSorley's top target has been Chris Godwin. The junior wide receiver once again has led the Nittany Lions in receptions (50), yards (795) and touchdown receptions (9) after his breakout season in 2015. But there will be some pressure on Godwin to step up against USC after somewhat quiet performances against top competition. Against Ohio State and Wisconsin, Godwin combined to total just five receptions for 72 yards.

Penn State also relies on tight end Mike Gesicki. The 6-foot-6 junior has been a strong contributor this season after a limited role in his freshman and sophomore seasons.

But Franklin is expected to run most of the offense through one of the most effective running backs in the nation. Saquon Barkley has been outstanding this season, rushing for 1,302 yards and 16 touchdowns to go along with 347 receiving yards and three touchdown receptions. The sophomore has also been on a tear in the second half, with eight touchdowns in his last six games.

USC also has no shortage of star talent on offense. Head coach Clay Helton, who previously served as the school's offensive coordinator, rejuvenated the Trojan attack when he replaced quarterback Max Browne with Sam Darnold. The athletic redshirt freshman provides USC with not only an accurate passer but a threat to scramble. Darnold has completed 68.1 percent of his passes and rushed for 230 yards and two touchdowns.

It also helps that Darnold has one of the most explosive wide receivers in the nation in JuJu Smith-Schuster and one of the Pac-12's best rushers in Ronald Jones II. After an exceptional freshman season, Jones picked up where he left on in 2016, rushing for 1,027 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Smith-Schuster has seen his production decline this season after an exceptional 2015, but he remains a top weapon for the Trojans with his speed and ability to break tackles. The junior caught 63 passes for 781 yards and nine touchdowns in 2016 after 89 receptions, 1,454 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns last year. Smith-Schuster has battled illness recently but was able to practice Friday and should be at full strength on Monday.

USC can also turn to senior Darreus Rogers, a deceptive wide out with 654 receiving yards on 51 receptions.

Both defenses have impressed this season. Penn State held six opponents to 21 points or less this season, while USC held seven opponents to 21 points or less.

The last time USC and Penn State reached the Rose Bowl was in 2009, when the Trojans defeated the Nittany Lions, 38-24.

Start Time: 5:00 p.m. ET/2:00 p.m ET

TV Channel: ESPN

Live Stream: WatchESPN

Over/Under: 59

Point Spread: USC favored by 7 points

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