Michigan State Spartans vs USC Trojans

Michigan State Spartans 4

USC Trojans leads 5-4

wins

1963 to 2025

USC Trojans won the last meeting

USC Trojans 5

Series timeline

▼ USC Trojans ahead (peak +3)

Michigan State Spartans USC Trojans Tie Postseason One meeting per cell

Longest streaks: Michigan State Spartans 3 (1987–1990), USC Trojans 3 (1967–1978). Current: USC Trojans 1.

Split	Michigan State Spartans record
Regular season	2-5
Postseason	2-0
Hosted by Michigan State Spartans	3-1
Hosted by USC Trojans	1-4
Last 8 seasons (1963 to 2025)	4-5
Largest Michigan State Spartans win	27-13 (1987)
Largest USC Trojans win	51-6 (1972)

Season	Date	Winner	Score	Site	Round
1990	Dec 31, 1990	Michigan State Spartans	17-16	at Michigan State Spartans	Bowls (SR Week 19)
1987	Jan 1, 1988	Michigan State Spartans	20-17	at USC Trojans	Bowls (SR Week 19)

2020s

Season	Date	Winner	Score	Site	Round
2025	Sep 20, 2025	USC Trojans	45-31	at USC Trojans	Week 4

1990s

Season	Date	Winner	Score	Site	Round
1990	Dec 31, 1990	Michigan State Spartans	17-16	at Michigan State Spartans	Bowls (SR Week 19) Postseason

1980s

Season	Date	Winner	Score	Site	Round
1987 (2-0)	Sep 7, 1987	Michigan State Spartans	27-13	at Michigan State Spartans	Week 2
	Jan 1, 1988	Michigan State Spartans	20-17	at USC Trojans	Bowls (SR Week 19) Postseason

1970s

Season	Date	Winner	Score	Site	Round
1978	Sep 29, 1978	USC Trojans	30-9	at USC Trojans	Week 5
1972	Sep 30, 1972	USC Trojans	51-6	at USC Trojans	Week 4

1960s

Season	Date	Winner	Score	Site	Round
1967	Sep 30, 1967	USC Trojans	21-17	at Michigan State Spartans	Week 4
1964	Oct 3, 1964	Michigan State Spartans	17-7	at Michigan State Spartans	Week 4
1963	Oct 4, 1963	USC Trojans	13-10	at USC Trojans	Week 4