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17h ago

No. 25 USC Hosts 3–0 Michigan State in Big Ten Opener Saturday Night

Oddsmakers lean to USC on the strength of an explosive offense, with Michigan State's run defense viewed as the key variable.

USC Trojans defensive tackle Jamaal Jarrett (0) runs the ball in for a touchdown after intercepting it during the second half against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Kickoff is set for Sept. 20 at 11 p.m. ET at the Coliseum, with the game televised on FOX.
  • USC enters with one of the nation’s top offenses at 604 yards and 55 points per game, led by QB Jayden Maiava (989 yards, 6 TDs, 0 INTs) and WR Makai Lemon (311 yards).
  • Betting markets list USC as a heavy favorite around 17.5 to 18.5 points with totals in the mid‑50s, and local previews project a high‑scoring game.
  • Michigan State counters with an efficient Aidan Chiles (656 yards, 6 TDs, 1 INT) and a run defense ranked ninth nationally, which Lincoln Riley singled out as a major challenge.
  • Key variables include MSU WR Nick Marsh’s questionable status, USC’s banged‑up secondary noted by TrojansWire, USC’s +5 turnover margin versus MSU’s −1, and a stark penalty gap favoring the Spartans.