The two teams combined for 101 points, making it the highest scoring Rose Bowl in its 103-game history.
USC overcame a 49-35 deficit in the 4th quarter, outscoring Penn State 17-0 in the final frame to stun the Nittany Lions.
USC freshman quarterback Sam Darnold, who threw for a Rose Bowl record 453 yards and 5 touchdowns, hit Deontay Burnett for the game-tying, 27-yard touchdown with 1:20 to play.
On Penn State's ensuing possession, Penn State quarterback Trace McSorley threw his third interception of the game, which USC returned to the 30-yard line, leading to Boermeester's game-winning kick.
McSorley threw for 254 yards and had 5 total touchdowns in the loss. Nittany Lions receiver Chris Godwin caught 9 balls for 187 yards and two touchdowns. Sophomore running back Saquon Barkley ran 25 times for 194 yards and 3 total touchdowns, including a 79-yard scamper early in the 3rd quarter.