MICHIGAN STATE (3-0 overall) at No. 25 USC (3-0 overall, 1-0 Big Ten)
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Where: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
TV/radio: FOX (Ch. 11)/ESPN LA 710
Line: USC by 18.5
NOTABLE INJURIES
Michigan State: QUESTIONABLE: OL Luka Vincic (undisclosed), RB Makhi Frazier (undisclosed), DL Stone Chaney (undisclosed), CB Andrew Brinson (undisclosed), OL Charlton Luniewski (foot), CB Caleb Gash (undisclosed), K Tarik Ahmetbasic (undisclosed), G Ashton Lepo (undisclosed), LS Kaden Schickel (undisclosed), DL Jalen Satchell (undisclosed)
USC: OUT: CB Chasen Johnson (knee), K Caden Chittenden (undisclosed), CB Prophet Brown (lower body); QUESTIONABLE: WR Prince Strachan (undisclosed), CB Alex Graham (undisclosed), RB Bryan Jackson (undisclosed); WR Zacharyus Williams (undisclosed).
What’s at stake? The Trojans will likely preserve their unbeaten record in a return home to the Coliseum, preparing them for a road test at Illinois – their first ranked opponent of the season. The twist to Saturday’s game is the 8 p.m. kickoff. Although USC dealt with a significant weather delay last week in Purdue, this will be the latest kickoff of the season after two 4:30 start times and one 6:45 (local time) start at Purdue. USC has shown its potential to win on the road, now it can show its ability to win after dark.
Who’s better? Both teams are 3-0, but a depleted Michigan State team is not at full strength at key positions. It’s unclear if receiver Nick Marsh and running back Makhi Frazier will play in the game and the Spartans are down an offensive lineman in Luka Vincic. USC’s defensive front can contain the Spartans and already boasts a conference-leading 14 sacks and 31 tackles for loss.
Matchup to watch: If Michigan State has any chance at gaining offensive ground, it’s through the air. USC’s defense gave up 305 passing yards to Purdue last week, partly due to a cornerback room that still remains unsettled. Michigan State quarterback Aidan Chiles – a Downey High product – is an experienced dual-threat quarterback who can adapt to opposing defenses. He recorded season-highs last week in passing and rushing yards, throwing for 270 yards and running for another 76 yards in a 41-24 victory over Youngstown State.
Prediction: USC 35, Michigan State 13. The Trojans get one final tune-up before heading to Champaign for their first true test of the season.
