Michigan State falls 45-31 in Big Ten opener at USC

Michigan State took an early, but brief, lead on the road at No. 25 USC before failing to keep pace with the Trojans' high-scoring offense, 45-31. The loss drops MSU to 3-1 on the season and 0-1 in Big Ten action, while USC begins conference play 4-0 with a 1-0 mark in league play.

MSU gave up 517 yards of offense to USC, including 283 rushing yards on 37 attempts, averaging 7.6 ypa for the Trojans. The Spartans managed just 108 of their own on the ground on 31 attempts.

Aidan Chiles went 12-for-21 on the night for 212 yards and three touchdowns, while also adding his own rushing touchdown on the ground. Omari Kelly proved the favorite target on the night with six catches on seven targets for 133 yards and one touchdown. Makhi Frazier led the rushing attack with 61 yards on 14 carries.

On the defensive side, Malik Spencer led the Spartans with seven tackles, including six solo. Nikai Martinez also had seven, though with five solo.

Jayden Maiava finished the night 20-for-26 for USC passing for 234 yards and three touchdowns. Running back Waymond Jordan added 157 yards on the ground on 18 attempts, while Makai Lemon led the receiving corps with 127 yards on eight receptions and one touchdown.

First Half

USC received to start after winning the coin toss, and the Trojans quickly marched it down the field into the red zone. A delay of game penalty and later a false start helped the MSU defense force a field goal attempt from 25 yards. The kick was good and the Trojans took an early 3-0 lead to start.

The Spartans answered right back with a quick score of their own, this time for a touchdown. In just six plays, MSU marched it 75 yards with a 42-yard touchdown pass from Chiles to McCray for the score. After the PAT, MSU took its sole lead of the game with a 7-3 advantage with 5:20 left in the opening quarter.

USC answered right back. The Trojans' drive was led with big chunks on the ground, taking six plays of its own to score. Runs of 12, 16, three, and 15 respectively, accounted for the majority of the drive's yards, and USC took a 10-7 lead after the PAT. MSU was forced to punt on its next drive that spilled into the second quarter, and disaster struck for the Spartans' defense on its next series. Jordan Hall was flagged for targeting and ejected with 12:14 left in the half, sending the green dot to Wayne Matthews III. On the very next play, USC scored on a 40-yard pass to extend its lead to 17-10 after the PAT.

MSU had to quickly punt it away on its next drive, but the defense held USC at midfield after a 35-yard pass to open its drive. The Trojans opted for trying to convert on fourth-and-four at the MSU 48 but were stopped short and the Spartans took over with advantageous field position. Eight plays later, the Spartans trimmed their deficit thanks to a 29-yard field goal from Martin Connington, trailing USC 17-7. During the drive, Michael Masunas managed to drag his foot on a catch from Omari Kelly on the below play. After review, the play stood for an MSU first down.

USC was able to respond with a touchdown of its own with under a minute left. The scoring play came immediately after play was paused for an extended period following an injury to MSU's Matthews who was placed on a backboard and stretcher to be removed for medical attention as he was moved to LA General Hospital.

While Michigan State tried to get into field goal position, helped by a 33-yard pass to Kelly from Chiles, a 56-yard field goal attempt as time expired went wide left.

Second Half

The Spartans received to open the half but quickly punted it away on a three and out. The Trojans answered with a touchdown in just four plays to take a 31-10 advantage.

MSU again was forced to punt, but a running into the kicker flag against USC left the Spartans to keep their drive alive as it advanced the ball to fourth and two. Opting to go for it, USC was flagged for a false start and the first down for the Spartans. Two plays later, MSU was able to draw a pass interference by USC again for another gain. If Trojan fans thought that was the last of their woes on this MSU drive, they were mistaken as a hands to the face inside the red zone set up the Spartans on the four yard line with a touchdown one play later as the final result of the drive. After the PAT, MSU trailed 31-17 with 5:58 left in the third.

Momentum was on the Spartans' side as Armorion Smith forced a fumble by the Trojans' DJ Jordan and it was recovered by Grady Kelly on the opening play of USC's drive.

MSU took advantage of taking over on the USC 32 yard line and punched it into the end zone nine plays later on a short pass to Jack Velling. After the PAT, the Spartans trailed 31-24.

For any Michigan State fans still awake for the fourth quarter, USC went on to score two straight touchdowns to ensure its Big Ten home opener was officially out of reach for any MSU comeback. On their final offensive play of the game, though, Chiles connected with Kelly for a 75 yard touchdown pass to make it a more respectable 45-31 and the final score of the game.

MSU flies home for a bye week next. The Spartans stay on the road when they return, taking on Nebraska on Oct. 4 in Lincoln. Kickoff time and broadcast information is still pending for that matchup. The Huskers fell at home to Michigan earlier on Saturday.