Michigan State vs. USC
Friday, January 1, 1988, Rose Bowl Share
No. 8 Michigan State beat No. 16 USC 20–17. It was their seventh meeting; after it, USC led the series 4–3.
FinalTV: NBCAttendance 103,847Referee: Gil Marchman (Big Ten; split crew between Big Ten and Pac-10)
MVP Percy Snow (MSU LB)Wikipedia
Before kickoff
Our ratings going in
Our ratings (scores only)
Michigan State 52% to win. Elo’s favorite won.
The series
Every Michigan State–USC gameUSC leads 5–4 in nine meetings, counting the two 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. RutgersSept. 10, 1988
- SeasonMichigan State in 1987
- ProgramMichigan State history and records
USC
- Next gameat Boston CollegeSept. 1, 1988
- SeasonUSC in 1987
- ProgramUSC history and records