Introduction to the Game
Makai Lemon came screaming across the center of the field, gliding past one Michigan State defender, then another, moving as if the world around him were in slow motion. USC’s top receiver had presumably been a top-line focus of the Spartans’ game plan — and even more so after fellow wideout Ja’Kobi Lane was ruled out Saturday with an injury. But here was Lemon slicing his way through Michigan State’s secondary as if no one had bothered to tell him as much, sprinting free as a deep pass soared in his direction and hit him in perfect stride.
First Half Performance
Most of Saturday night’s 45-31 win over Michigan State felt that seamless for USC, which moved the ball with ease on offense, racking up 517 yards in the process. But in a swirl of penalties and poor discipline from its defense, USC inexplicably found itself clinging to a one-score lead in the fourth quarter. USC receiver Makai Lemon runs the ball in the second quarter against Michigan State at the Coliseum on Saturday. (Carlin Stiehl/Los Angeles Times)
USC’s Ability to Separate
“We were dominating the football game,” USC coach Lincoln Riley said. “But our ability to separate back out, I thought, was just as impressive.” USC mounted a 13-play drive with its back against the wall in the fourth quarter, at one point even converting a critical fourth down near midfield, before Lemon pushed the pedal to the floor. He went sprinting on a jet motion, took the handoff and flew into the end zone for a score the Spartans couldn’t counter.
Player Performance
“Any time the ball is in his hands, something big is about to happen,” USC quarterback Jayden Maiava said. With Lane out, Lemon accounted for more than half of the Trojans’ passing output, as he finished with eight receptions for 127 yards and a touchdown, the vast majority of which came in the first half. Maiava didn’t need to do much more through the air after halftime. He finished with a season-low 234 yards, but completed 20 of 26 passes and added three passing touchdowns, to go with another on the ground. USC running back Eli Sanders runs with the ball during a win over Michigan State on Saturday night. (Carlin Stiehl / Los Angeles Times)
Rushing Attack
USC’s rushing attack ultimately made the difference, despite facing a defense that hadn’t allowed any of its opponents to rush for 100 yards. Jordan bested that total himself, running for 157 yards on 18 carries, while Eli Sanders added 84 rushing yards of his own.
Penalties and Discipline
But once again, the Trojans paid a serious price for their propensity for penalties. On one third-quarter drive, USC ran into Michigan State’s kicker on a punt, was flagged for an illegal substitution and then was called for pass interference, all within a four-play stretch. For a while, it seemed the sequence might turn the tide towards the Spartans. “Obviously we haven’t done enough,” Riley said of coaches’ efforts to reduce USC’s penalties.
Defensive Performance
That message was reiterated after the game by linebacker Eric Gentry, who stood up in front of the team to belabor the severity of their penalty problems. The Trojans were called for 10 total penalties on Saturday for a loss of 88 yards, making it three consecutive games of at least eight penalties. Fortunately for USC, its defensive front was also able to impact the game in other ways, namely by keeping Spartan quarterback Aidan Chiles uncomfortable in the pocket. USC defensive end Braylan Shelby sacks Michigan State quarterback Aidan Chiles at the Coliseum on Saturday. (Carlin Stiehl/Los Angeles Times)
Upcoming Games
The road only gets harder from here for USC (4-0). The Trojans’ next three games (Illinois, Michigan and Notre Dame) come against ranked opponents, and two of those games (Illinois and Notre Dame) are on the road. And while the Irish are 1-2, and the Illini were just steamrolled by Indiana on Saturday, both should provide much tougher tests than the Trojans have faced thus far.
Injury Update
Whether USC will have one of its top receivers back for that stretch remains to be seen. Lane, who was listed as questionable on Saturday, came out with the team for early stretches. But when the team reemerged in full pads for warm-ups, the Trojans stud wideout was wearing sweatpants. Riley said after the game that the severity of Lane’s injury is still “inconclusive,” but his absence could extend multiple games. USC quarterback Jayden Maiava scores a touchdown in the first quarter against Michigan State. (Carlin Stiehl / Los Angeles Times)
Conclusion
In conclusion, USC’s win over Michigan State was a testament to the team’s ability to overcome adversity and capitalize on their opponents’ mistakes. Despite struggling with penalties and discipline, the Trojans were able to pull away with the win, thanks in large part to the impressive performance of Makai Lemon and the team’s rushing attack. As the Trojans look to the future, they will need to address their penalty issues and find a way to replace the production of Ja’Kobi Lane, who may be out for an extended period.
FAQs
Q: What was the final score of the game between USC and Michigan State?
A: The final score was 45-31 in favor of USC.
Q: Who was the standout player for USC in the game?
A: Makai Lemon was the standout player, with 8 receptions for 127 yards and a touchdown.
Q: What is the status of Ja’Kobi Lane’s injury?
A: The severity of Lane’s injury is still "inconclusive," but his absence could extend multiple games.
Q: What are USC’s next three games?
A: USC’s next three games are against Illinois, Michigan, and Notre Dame, all of which are ranked opponents.
Q: How many penalties did USC commit during the game?
A: USC was called for 10 total penalties for a loss of 88 yards.
