Penn State offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich previews the Rose Bowl

LOS ANGELES — Penn State is now four days out from Monday’s showdown against Utah in the Rose Bowl. The Nittany Lions come into this week’s game with a 10-2 record, but with losses against Ohio State and Michigan, the Nittany Lions are searching for a signature win to cap off a solid bounce-back season.

A win over the Pac-12 champions would go a long way with fans. During a 30-minute media availability Thursday, Penn State offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich gave his thoughts on the Utes.

“I think their coaching staff has really done a good job of sustaining success there, and I think you see that when you put the film on, I think you see a tough, disciplined football team. I think it starts there,” Yurcich said. “I think that’s what makes them, in simple terms, a really good team, is that they play with physicality, they know their assignments, they’re disciplined, they’re very well-coached, and they’re a team that has done it repeatedly and had success. It makes sense, right.”

He went on to add, “They remind you of a Big Ten team. I don’t know specifically in comparisons, but the way they play, I think their physicality by nature, there’s going to be a lot of carryover.”

Link: Penn State vs. Utah scouting report from Josh Newman of the Salt Lake Tribune

After being on the road a few weeks for recruiting, Yurcich and the entire staff have had more time to focus on the team and their preparation for this game in recent weeks. He said he’s encouraged with what he’s seen so far.

“It’s been great. Early on you kind of phase it. You try to develop your younger guys as much as you possibly can, so the reps get shared, and you get to rest the older, more experienced players, guys that maybe are dinged up, but maybe guys that are so well-versed in the offense like Sean, to where you can sacrifice some reps there early in bowl prep to where it’s more developmental, get back to the basics.

“Then as you get closer, you get more game-plan specific and get your guys that are going to be significant contributors the majority of the reps.

“It’s another — I don’t know, whatever it is, 16 practices, so it’s additional spring ball, so you’ve got to utilize it and try to maximize your development as much as possible with that.”

Penn State fans, see more of what Yurcich had to say above.