Why Makai Lemon Deserves MVP in USC's Win Over Michigan State

The USC Trojans defeated the Michigan State Spartans by a final score of 45-31. Lincoln Riley's team improved to 4-0 on the season. Wide receiver Makai Lemon earned the game's MVP for his performance.

Nov 23, 2024; Pasadena, California, USA; USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley smiles after Trojans defeat the UCLA Bruins at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images | Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

The USC Trojans defeated the Michigan State Spartans by a final score of 45-31 to improve their record this season to 4-0. Makai Lemon was the player of the game for USC.

Makai Lemon Earns Trojans MVP in Win Over Michigan State

Sep 13, 2025; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley reacts during the first quarter against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images | Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

There were a lot of Trojans players on the offensive side of the ball that had MVP worthy appearances in USC’s win. However, this award can only go to one player and it will go to the one who found himself in the end zone from both a receiving and a rushing touchdown. That would be wide receiver Makai Lemon. 

Makai Lemon Does It All Against Spartans

Sep 20, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans wide receiver Makai Lemon (6) runs the ball for a touchdown against the Michigan State Spartans during the first half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Makai Lemon led the Trojans in receptions and receiving yards in their win over Michigan State. He had eight catches for 127 yards and a touchdown. Lemon also had two carries for 11 yards and a touchdown. 

Lemon was quarterback Jayden Maiava’s go-to target all game. Nobody else on the Trojans had more than two receptions. 

This was in part due to the absence of wide receiver Ja’Kobi Lane. Lane was listed as out for the game with an injury that has yet to be disclosed. Lane and Lemon make up a top notch one-two punch for the USC aerial attack. 

Lemon stepped up big time and the Trojans offense didn’t skip a beat. 

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A Balanced Trojans Offense

Sep 20, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) celebrates his touchdown scored against the Michigan State Spartans with wide receiver Makai Lemon (6) and running back Waymond Jordan (2) during the first half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

As it has for much of this season, the USC run game had a day. This ground attack was led by Waymond Jordan and Eli Sanders.

Jordan had 18 carries for 157 yards, averaging 8.7 yards per carry. When it wasn’t Jordan, there was Sanders who had 13 carries for 84 yards. This was good for an average of 6,5 yards per carry. 

Even quarterback Jayden Maiava got in on the action on the ground with four carries for 31 yards and two rushing touchdowns. Through the air, Maiava went 20/26 passing for 234 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions. 

USC coach Lincoln Riley has to love what he is seeing on this side of the ball. So far this season, USC's offense has averaged 52.5 points so far this season. With Maiava under center, USC's offense has looked closer to the fireworks show that it was when they had Caleb Williams.

Defense Takes A Step Back

Sep 20, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Michigan State Spartans quarterback Aidan Chiles (2) calls a play before the snap during the second half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Against Michigan State, the Trojans needed every bit of the offensive boost that they got. The USC defense had their worst performance of the season, giving up 31 points. Since defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn took over in 2024, USC's defense greatly improved. This was not an example of that.

Michigan State was led by dual-threat quarterback Aidan Chiles, who threw for 212 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for 31 yards and a touchdown.

Lynn's defense can hopefully use this as a learning experience as they continue on in Big Ten play.