The bright lights of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum set the stage for a statement win, as USC leaned on quarterback Jayden Maiava’s five-touchdown performance to defeat Michigan State 45–31 on Saturday night. The victory highlighted the Trojans’ balance on offense and their ability to strike quickly, keeping the Spartans chasing from the opening quarter. Maiava looked poised throughout, throwing three touchdown passes and adding two scores on the ground. His dual-threat ability consistently kept Michigan State off balance, as the Spartans struggled to contain both his arm and his legs.
First-Half Control
The Trojans set the tone early. After an opening field goal, Maiava capped USC’s first touchdown drive with a 15-yard sprint into the end zone. Moments later, he found wide receiver Makai Lemon for a 40-yard strike, giving USC a lead it would never surrender. Maiava’s pinpoint throw to Tanook Hines in the second quarter extended the advantage, and USC went into halftime up 24–10.Michigan State’s offense, led by quarterback Aidan Chiles, kept fighting. Chiles threw three touchdown passes and ran for another, showing flashes of playmaking ability. His 42-yard connection with Chrishon McCray in the first quarter and late 75-yard bomb to Omari Kelly were highlights of the night. Still, the Spartans couldn’t keep pace with USC’s relentless attack.
Sealing the Win
In the second half, Maiava added a 10-yard scoring toss to Walker Lyons and later punched in a 1-yard rushing touchdown to seal the Trojans’ victory. Makai Lemon also contributed in multiple ways, not only catching a long touchdown but adding a short rushing score in the fourth quarter.
Looking Ahead
The win moves USC to 3–1 on the season and builds momentum as conference play looms. For Michigan State, the loss drops them to 2–2, but Chiles’ performance offered hope that the Spartans can compete moving forward. For USC, though, Saturday belonged to Maiava. His five-touchdown night not only fueled a key non-conference win but also underscored his growing role as the Trojans’ offensive leader.
- Jayden Maiava: 20-of-26 passing, 234 yards, 3 TDs; 2 rushing TDs
- Makai Lemon: 8 catches, 127 yards, 1 receiving TD; 1 rushing TD
- Waymond Jordan: 157 rushing yards on 18 carries
- Aidan Chiles (MSU): 212 passing yards, 3 TDs; 1 rushing TD
- Omari Kelly (MSU): 133 receiving yards, 1 TD
