USC Trojans Defeat Michigan State Spartans 45-31
Saturday, September 20, 2025, 11:00 PM ET · Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
USC Trojans 45, Michigan State Spartans 31, final. Our NCAAF picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Michigan State Spartans vs USC Trojans?
USC Trojans beat Michigan State Spartans 45-31 at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 20, 2025.
In a high-scoring encounter at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, the USC Trojans triumphed over the Michigan State Spartans with a final score of 45-31. This victory marks the Trojans' fifth consecutive win, solidifying their strong start to the season with a perfect home record of 4-0. The Trojans have shown impressive offensive capabilities, averaging 36.8 points per game over their last ten outings, while allowing an average of 24.0 points. Their recent form includes three consecutive wins, showcasing a potent attack that has scored an average of 43.8 points in their last five games.
The Spartans, now holding a 3-1 record for the season, have also been in decent form, winning their last three games. However, their overall performance has been more inconsistent, with an average of 22.9 points scored and 28.8 points allowed in their last ten games. Their away record remains concerning, as they have yet to secure a win on the road this season, going 0-3 in away games.
The matchup between these two teams was particularly noteworthy given their contrasting styles and recent performances. The Trojans entered the game with a strong offensive line, having scored 73 points against Missouri State and 59 against Georgia Southern in previous home games. In contrast, the Spartans struggled defensively in their away games, having allowed 41 points against Rutgers and 38 against Illinois, which highlighted potential vulnerabilities that the Trojans could exploit.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details, but both teams were expected to field their strongest lineups for this critical matchup. The conditions at the Coliseum were ideal for football, with clear skies and a lively crowd adding to the atmosphere.
The betting market reflected the Trojans' strong home advantage, pricing them as heavy favorites. The odds indicated a high probability of a USC victory, with the home win probability set at 1.0, underscoring the confidence in their ability to secure the win.
Throughout the game, viewers were treated to a showcase of offensive talent, with the Trojans leveraging their home-field advantage effectively. The Spartans, despite their recent struggles away from home, exhibited resilience but ultimately fell short against a dominant USC team. This matchup not only highlighted the Trojans' offensive prowess but also raised questions about the Spartans' ability to compete on the road as they move forward in the season.
Leaders
- Passing yardsJayden Maiava20/26, 234 YDS, 3 TDUSC Trojans
- Rushing yardsWaymond Jordan18 CAR, 157 YDSUSC Trojans
- Receiving yardsMakai Lemon8 REC, 127 YDS, 1 TDUSC Trojans
- Passing yardsAidan Chiles12/21, 212 YDS, 3 TDMichigan State Spartans
- Rushing yardsMakhi Frazier14 CAR, 61 YDSMichigan State Spartans
- Receiving yardsOmari Kelly6 REC, 133 YDS, 1 TDMichigan State Spartans
Recent form
USC Trojans
Last 10: 6-4Streak W336.8 scored · 24 allowed per game4-2 at home
- W33-17at Purdue BoilermakersSep 13
- W59-20vs Georgia Southern EaglesSep 6
- W73-13vs Missouri State BearsAug 30
- L35-49vs Notre Dame Fighting IrishNov 30
- W19-13at UCLA BruinsNov 24
- W28-20vs Nebraska CornhuskersNov 16
- L21-26at Washington HuskiesNov 2
- W42-20vs Rutgers Scarlet KnightsOct 26
- L28-29at Maryland TerrapinsOct 19
- L30-33vs Penn State Nittany LionsOct 12
Michigan State Spartans
Last 10: 5-5Streak W322.9 scored · 28.8 allowed per game0-3 away
- W41-24vs Youngstown State PenguinsSep 13
- W42-40vs Boston College EaglesSep 6
- W23-6vs Western Michigan BroncosAug 29
- L14-41vs Rutgers Scarlet KnightsNov 30
- W24-17vs Purdue BoilermakersNov 23
- L16-38at Illinois Fighting IlliniNov 16
- L10-47vs Indiana HoosiersNov 2
- L17-24at Michigan WolverinesOct 26
- W32-20vs Iowa HawkeyesOct 19
- L10-31at Oregon DucksOct 5
Standings
| Team | Overall | In conference |
|---|---|---|
| USC | 1-0 | 0-0 |
| Illinois | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Indiana | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Iowa | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Maryland | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Michigan State | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Michigan | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Minnesota | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Nebraska | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Northwestern | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Ohio State | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Oregon | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Penn State | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Purdue | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Rutgers | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| UCLA | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Washington | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Wisconsin | 0-0 | 0-0 |
Box score
| Stat | Michigan State Spartans | USC Trojans |
|---|---|---|
| First downs | 20 | 27 |
| Third downs | 5-11 | 8-12 |
| Fourth downs | 0-1 | 1-2 |
| Total yards | 337 | 523 |
| Net passing yards | 225 | 234 |
| Completions | 13/23 | 20/26 |
| Yards per pass | 9.8 | 9.0 |
| Rushing yards | 112 | 289 |
| Rushing attempts | 32 | 40 |
| Yards per rush | 3.5 | 7.2 |
| Penalties | 6-53 | 11-82 |
| Turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Fumbles lost | 0 | 1 |
| Interceptions thrown | 0 | 0 |
| Time of possession | 28:54 | 31:06 |
Win probability
Above the line favours USC Trojans, below favours Michigan State Spartans.
Venue
- Los Angeles Memorial ColiseumLos Angeles, CA
- Attendance67614
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