Penn State football placekicker Ryan Barker was a perfect 3-for-3 on field goals as time expired with the score tied at 30 inside the Los Angeles Coliseum on Saturday.

While the offense eventually put up points in the second half, Barker’s field goals in the first and second quarters were the only points the Nittany Lions managed before the break.

In the second half, Barker tied the game three different times, twice on extra points after touchdowns and once on a field goal with 10 minutes left in the game that brought the score to 23-23. While the kicks were important, none had as much pressure as when Barker trotted out to win the game in overtime.

After the defense got a stop, followed by a missed field goal from USC, Penn State got the ball and had three straight plays for little gain to set up the 36-yard overtime try.

“We were going to run the ball in that situation. You never know, you may split one and score a touchdown,” Franklin said. “But you also want to be borderline conservative as well, because you’re already in field goal range and you don’t want to do anything that will take you out of it.”

Barker, who has often been described by Franklin as a “steady eddy,” said he remained calm and collected when he was sent out for the try.

As he lined up the kick and took his mark, USC head coach Lincoln Riley called a timeout to try and ice the redshirt freshman. It didn’t work, and the ball sailed through the uprights as the Nittany Lions won 33-30.

“It was unbelievable and an absolute dream come true,” Barker said. “It’s an awesome feeling to make my teammates proud and do this for them. Being able to help get the win is the most important thing.”

In his first start last week, Barker went 2-of-2 last week against UCLA and solidified his place as the starter ahead of the game against USC.

But, after committing as a walk-on ahead of last season, Barker has earned the respect of his teammates and coaches. Drew Allar said the specialists prepare for situations like Saturday’s a lot in practice, helping keep them unfazed when they’re called on in a game. With a story like Barker’s, though, the emotions were heightened after the ball went through.

“I was super happy for Barker,” Allar said. “They tried to ice him and that’s just a credit to his confidence and demeanor. I’m super happy he was able to enjoy that moment and deliver us the win.”

Barker’s path to the starting spot was anything but linear. He took the lead for the starting spot in camp, lost the lead in camp, and earned back the starting job after Sander Sahaydak was pulled at the end of the contest with Illinois.

So far, Barker has taken advantage of his opportunity. After two full games as the starter, the redshirt freshman is 6-for-6, but now with a game-winner on his resume.

“Ryan Barker walks on at Penn State and when the opportunity knocked, he was ready,” Franklin said. “Ryan ‘Cold as Ice’ Barker is what I’m calling him. I’m just really proud of him.”