USC continues to find its identity as on display in Michigan State win

There continue to be encouraging signs from a USC program that has mostly underwhelmed in recent memory. Certain aspects, though, are vastly improved four games into the 2025 season.

For one, Jayden Maiava has shown a greater command of the offense after a full offseason of knowing that he would be QB1. The quarterback has played at an exceptional level and has shown the ability to be able to lead one of the top offenses in the nation.

It goes without saying that when he has a clean pocket, Maiava tends to find his targets. Makai Lemon and Ja'Kobi Lane have a knack for getting open after all and are more than capable of making contested grabs even when the coverage is tight on the receivers.

Waymond Jordan has equally shown his ability to play at a high level after having great displays at the JUCO level. To this point, the jump in competition has not been too much, and there is a great case to make that he is not quite receiving enough credit on the national scale as of yet.

There are elements of the defense that continue to be a work in progress. By and large, though, the coach D'Anton Lynn unit is playing well enough to make plays while also not being a liability to an extent that can be supported by the Trojan offense.

Looking ahead for upcoming USC matchup

Although Michigan State ended up making it something of a game late, USC was able to once again take the lead in the first quarter and see the game through.

The Trojans have done what was needed on their end. They won the non-conference games and beat their opening Big Ten opponents. USC will face its stiffest test with a road trip to Illinois next.