This weekend, Michigan State University (MSU) Spartans are set to face the University of Southern California (USC) Trojans in a high-stakes football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The game kicks off at 11:05 p.m. ET on Saturday and will be broadcast on Fox.
USC is favored, with a betting line of -18.5. There’s a lot riding on this one, and the outcome could turn on a handful of key factors—player injuries and team dynamics, mainly.
MSU’s sophomore receiver Nick Marsh is a big question mark right now. He picked up an undisclosed injury during last week’s win, and honestly, his presence could swing the score by a touchdown.
Marsh has that game-changing quality that makes defenses sweat. If he can’t go, MSU’s offense might have a tough time keeping up with USC’s firepower.
Then there’s the likely absence of running back Makhi Frazier, who’s still recovering from a lower leg injury. That means Brandon Tullis will need to be rock-solid in pass protection, and he and Elijah Tau-Tolliver will have to handle the rushing duties.
On top of that, MSU’s offensive line is missing guard Luka Vincic for the season after last week’s injury. Maybe the Spartans have enough depth to patch those holes, but Marsh’s situation feels a bit more critical.
Key Factors Influencing the Game
There are a few things that could tip the scales in this matchup. Let’s take a closer look at what might matter most.
Player Injuries
MSU’s lineup is in flux, especially with Marsh’s status up in the air. If he’s sidelined, that’s a big blow.
Frazier’s absence in the backfield means more pressure on Tullis and Tau-Tolliver. The offensive line, already missing Vincic, will have to hold it together.
USC’s Offensive Prowess
USC is piling up a staggering 604 yards per game, though, to be fair, some of those numbers came against weaker teams and Purdue. Their offense feels more balanced this season, thanks in part to junior-college transfer Waymond Jordan, who’s racking up 7.3 yards per carry.
That run game is a nice complement to a passing attack featuring receivers Makai Lemon and Ja’Kobi Lane, both of whom look like future high draft picks. Still, you have to wonder if USC’s offensive line is quite as dominant as their skill players.
Last week against Purdue, the Trojans had some shaky moments and settled for four field goals instead of touchdowns. That kind of inconsistency could open the door for MSU to make things interesting.
MSU’s Defensive Strategy
For MSU to have a shot, their defense needs to step up and create some chaos. Let’s talk about how they might try to pull that off.
Pressure on USC’s Quarterback
MSU’s defense has to find a way to rattle USC quarterback Jayden Maiava. He’s a UNLV transfer who’s shown flashes but still feels like a work in progress.
Last year, he forced some throws and turned the ball over. He’s looked better this fall, but hasn’t really faced a tough pass rush yet. If MSU can get in his face and force a few mistakes, that could keep them in the game.
Stopping the Run
MSU’s run defense has been sturdy so far, holding opponents to just 64.3 yards per game. If they can at least slow down USC’s ground game and make them one-dimensional, that might limit the Trojans’ options.
Forcing USC out of their comfort zone could be huge. It’s the kind of thing that might just lead to a few crucial errors.
MSU’s Offensive Challenges
On offense, MSU quarterback Aidan Chiles has really come into his own over the last couple of games. He’s keeping his eyes downfield and seems to be reading defenses better.
But if Nick Marsh can’t suit up, Chiles’ options shrink fast. That could make it a real challenge for the Spartans to keep pace with USC’s scoring.
Historical Context
MSU hasn’t exactly thrived on the West Coast. In fact, they haven’t won a regular-season game west of Colorado since 1957. That’s 16 straight losses in these situations.
With USC, UCLA, Oregon, and Washington joining the Big Ten, the Spartans will be seeing a lot more of the Pacific time zone. Maybe this is the week they start to turn that trend around. Or maybe not. Guess we’ll find out soon enough.
Predictions and Final Thoughts
There are a couple of ways this game could go. If Nick Marsh is healthy and on the field, MSU’s offense just might have a shot at making things interesting.
If Marsh can’t play, though, it’s tough to picture the Spartans keeping up with USC. The firepower just isn’t there without him.
USC definitely brings some big-time offensive weapons, but let’s be honest—their offensive line and secondary aren’t exactly bulletproof. You could see some cracks in their armor during that Purdue game.
Still, when you look at the rosters, USC has the upper hand in both talent and depth. Especially if Marsh isn’t suiting up for MSU, that edge only gets wider.
For a detailed breakdown and further analysis, you can read the full article by Graham Couch on the Lansing State Journal.
- Schools Covered
- College Football Articles
- Men's College Basketball Articles
- Men's College Soccer Articles
- Women's College Basketball Articles
- Olympic Athlete Articles
- Men's College Baseball Articles
- College Sports Media Professionals Articles
- Hall of Fame Member Articles
- Former College Player Articles
- Game Previews
