USC Trojans vs Michigan State Spartans

SteveUSC
Sep 15
3 min read

Here’s a breakdow

n of what to expect in the USC Trojans vs. Michigan State Spartans game (Week 4, Sat Sept 20, 2025) — strengths, issues, and key matchups. Happy to adjust focus if you want more on offense, defense, or predictions.

Current Form & Momentum

USC Trojans

Record: 3-0. (SI)
Offensive firepower: Very strong. They’re averaging ~604 yards per game in total offense and ~55 points per game. (SI)
Passing game: Led by QB Jayden Maiava. Very efficient, low interceptions so far. (SI)
Running game: Deep threat. Several backs share load; USC has been good both on the ground and in explosive plays. (SI)
Defense: Forcing turnovers, getting pressure. They’ve had good sack numbers and interceptions. But they haven’t yet been tested by elite opponents fully. (SI)

Michigan State Spartans

Record: Also 3-0. (SI)
Quarterback: Aidan Chiles has had decent efficiency — good completion percentage, some big plays, but also questions remain especially under pressure and in the red zone. (Picks and Parlays)
Receiving corps: Nick Marsh is a reliable weapon. Some new receivers via the transfer portal hope to boost the depth. (247Sports)
Run game / Offensive Line: Some uncertainty. The line has some new pieces; run game isn’t yet proven at the same level as USC’s. (Picks and Parlays)
Defense: Has made plays, but concerns over allowing big plays, pressure, and consistency. Against stronger offenses, issues might be exposed. (Picks and Parlays)

Matchup What to Watch

USC’s Offensive Balance vs MSU’s Pass Rush / Secondary Pressure: USC can beat you both through the air and ground. If MSU can get pressure on the QB and avoid giving up plays over the top, they have a shot at making this competitive.
Michigan State Protection: If the MSU O-line falters (allowing sacks, negative plays), USC’s defense could force turnovers that swing momentum. Protecting Chiles will be key.
Big Plays: USC has shown they can score quickly. MSU can’t allow explosive pass plays or long runs. Limiting USC’s ability to capitalize on short fields will be critical.
Red Zone Efficiency: Both teams will need to convert in the red zone. For MSU, especially, finishing drives will matter — settling for field goals or punts against USC could mean burying themselves.
Depth & Fresh Legs: USC seems to have more options, especially at running back. If the game is physical and late, depth could become a factor.

Betting / Odds

Spread / Favorite: USC is heavily favored. Odds show USC about a 14–15 point line over Michigan State. (SI)
Over/Under: The total points line is somewhere in the mid-50s (~55.5) in some odds boards. (Spartan Avenue)

Prediction & What to Expect

Putting it all together:

USC is likely to win, and likely by more than a touchdown. Their offense is clicking, and their defense has been opportunistic.
If Michigan State is going to make it close, they’ll need a near perfect game: strong pass protection, no mental errors, good special teams, and perhaps capitalize on turnovers.
Possible final score might look like USC winning somewhere in the range of 30-40 points vs MSU in the teens or low 20s, depending on how many explosive plays they yield. (Some predictions have a score around USC 37-17 as a plausible outcome. (Picks and Parlays))