USC defeated Michigan State 45–31 in a double-digit victory. Michigan State covered by 4.5; Game went Over by 20.5.
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At kick-off, conditions at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum were Partly cloudy, 66.6°F, Feels Like 66.6°F with winds of 2.7 mph. Weather is not expected to be a meaningful factor in this game. Historical weather data for this game is preserved in the panel below.
66.6°F
Linebacker Wayne Matthews was injured and carted off before halftime, and Jordan Hall was ejected for targeting, forcing Michigan State to play the second half without two key defensive starters. This could impact depth and preparation during the bye week.
Quarterback Aidan Chiles accounted for 243 of the team's 333 total yards, throwing three touchdown passes and rushing for another. The offense showed resilience with a 75-yard TD pass to Omari Kelly late in the game, indicating potential for explosive plays.
Michigan State allowed USC to score touchdowns on four of five drives after the first quarter, falling behind 31-10 at halftime. The defense struggled to contain USC's high-powered offense, which racked up 517 yards, highlighting areas to address during the bye.
Despite the injuries and deficit, the Spartans showed character by rallying in the second half, scoring 21 points and making the game competitive. This resilience could build confidence heading into the next game against Nebraska.
With a bye before visiting Nebraska on Oct. 4, Michigan State has extra time to heal injuries, correct defensive issues, and prepare for a conference opponent. The extra preparation could be crucial for improving their 3-1 start.
Michigan State travels 1,917 miles to this game, a cross-country trip.
Michigan State arrives with a 3-hour body clock disadvantage.
USC won by 14 in a double-digit victory.
Michigan State covered the spread.
The total went Over by 20.5 points.
Blue Chip Analytics power ratings favour USC (20.0) over Michigan State (3.6) by 16.4 points on a neutral field. After adding home field advantage, the rating-implied line may differ meaningfully from the market spread. USC brings a meaningful home field advantage to this matchup (Blue Chip HFA: 2.2). Add this to the neutral-site differential to arrive at a venue-adjusted line.
Blue Chip Analytics power ratings represent expected point margin against an average FBS opponent on a neutral field, calculated from game data sourced via CollegeFootballData.com (CFBD). They are one input: cross-reference with the travel, rest, and weather data above before drawing conclusions.
USC won and Michigan State covered the spread.
