Michigan State at USC
Friday, September 29, 1978 Share
No. 3 USC beat Michigan State 30–9. It was their fifth meeting; after it, USC led the series 4–1.
FinalHigh 95°F, low 72°FAttendance 65,319
Before kickoff
Our ratings going in
Our ratings (scores only)
USC 76% to win. Elo’s favorite won.
The series
Every Michigan State–USC gameUSC leads 5–4 in nine meetings, counting the four since this game.
| 2025 | USC 45, Michigan State 31 | |
| 1990 | Michigan State 17, USC 16 | John Hancock Bowl |
| 1987 | Michigan State 20, USC 17 | Rose Bowl |
| 1987 | Michigan State 27, USC 13 | |
| 1978 | USC 30, Michigan State 9 | |
| 1972 | USC 51, Michigan State 6 |
Around this game
Michigan State
- Next gamevs. Notre DameOct. 7, 1978
- SeasonMichigan State in 1978
- ProgramMichigan State history and records
USC
- Next gameat Arizona StateOct. 14, 1978
- SeasonUSC in 1978
- ProgramUSC history and records