Buehler looking for a strong finish

David Buehler will go back to basics today when fifth-ranked USC plays sixth-ranked Penn State in the 95th Rose Bowl game.

USC’s senior kicker missed all three of his field-goal attempts in a Trojans victory over UCLA on Dec. 6, saying afterward that he broke from routine in his final regular-season game.

Today, in a matchup that features teams that are almost statistically even, Buehler is cognizant the outcome could turn on special-teams performances.

“I’m definitely looking to go in with an even keel, no emotions on my sleeve, and just play it like it’s another football game -- like I did all season,” said Buehler, who has made eight of 12 field-goal attempts. “I’m going to get back to my routine, stick to the basics and go from there.”

USC punter Greg Woidneck hopes to keep the Nittany Lions pinned deep in their own territory if he gets the chance.

He averages 36.6 yards a punt.

“I kind of underachieved as far as average and numbers go,” Woidneck said. “But when you look at the season as a whole, we had no blocks and no [touchdown] returns. When you compare that to years past, it’s been an improvement . . . so I’m pretty happy with that.”

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Moving ahead

Senior safety Kevin Ellison said he was “at peace” with a knee injury that will sideline him today.

Ellison had knee surgery in early November but came back to play against UCLA in December. Despite sitting out three Pacific 10 Conference games, he was a unanimous all-conference selection in a vote by league coaches.

“I never wanted to be injured, but it happened,” Ellison said. “I can’t keep kicking myself about it. I deal with it.”

Junior Will Harris will start at strong safety for the sixth consecutive time in place of Ellison.

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He was passed

Quarterback Mitch Mustain said he was not discouraged by his fall from No. 2 to No. 3 on USC’s depth chart.

Redshirt freshman Aaron Corp was elevated over Mustain this week and will be Mark Sanchez’s backup today.

Mustain was No. 2 for the last nine games and has passed for 167 yards and two touchdowns with two interceptions.

“I’ve been in this spot before,” Mustain said. “I think all of us have been in all of the spots, so we’ll keep battling.”

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Quick kicks

Former players Marcus Allen, Ronnie Lott, Willie McGinest, Keith Rivers and Sedrick Ellis will use USC’s five sideline passes, school officials said. . . . Receiver Patrick Turner was invited to the Senior Bowl, joining teammates Rey Maualuga, Brian Cushing, Fili Moala and Kyle Moore.

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gary.klein@latimes.com