Overview

• Matthews was hurt with 42 seconds left in the second quarter while tackling USC running back Waymond Jordan and was stabilized on a backboard before transport to Los Angeles General Medical Center, a Level 1 trauma center.
• Michigan State said his motor skills were intact, he gave a thumbs-up as he left the field, and players from both teams gathered in a prayer huddle during the extended stoppage.
• ESPN and team officials confirmed he was medically cleared and discharged in Los Angeles on Sunday, and he returned to East Lansing on the team flight.
• The precise nature of the injury and any return-to-play timetable have not been disclosed, with further medical evaluations ongoing during Michigan State’s bye week.
• Matthews had assumed defensive communication duties after Jordan Hall’s targeting ejection; USC scored on the first play after the stoppage and won 45-31 as other Spartans, including Quindarius Dunnigan, Nikai Martinez and Stanton Ramil, also exited with injuries.