The USC Trojans and Michigan State Spartans square off tonight in the Coliseum for what is being deemed as The Illiad Series. Both teams are dealing with some key injuries, but based on a new report, the Spartans should be getting some big relief as they take on the 25th-ranked Trojans.
According to Pete Thamel of ESPN, both wide receiver Nich Marsh and leading rusher Makhi Frazier are expected to be available and play on Saturday Night.
Marsh suffered a leg injury last week against Youngstown State, and Frazier has been dealing with a lower-body injury.
Sources: Michigan State star wide receiver Nick Marsh and leading rusher Makhi Frazier are expected to play at USC. Marsh had a leg injury against Youngstown and Frazier suffered a lower body injury. Both are cleared and in line to play Saturday night. pic.twitter.com/ahkQQCvZO2
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) September 19, 2025
Nick Marsh Is A Tough Matchup For The USC Trojans
Nick Marsh is a very talented receiver and currently leads the Spartans with 194 yards and 3 touchdowns. His counterpart, Omari Kelly, has 184 yards on the season.
The USC Trojans’ secondary has struggled so far this season. They have had a few miscommunications that have led to big plays, and have played a lot of soft coverage. They will have their toughest task of the season on Saturday in slowing these two receivers down.
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DeCarlos Nicholson has been the mainstay starting outside CB, but Lincoln Riley updated the depth chart this week, penciling in Marcelles Williams as the other starting outside CB.
We will undoubtedly still see Braylon Conley and DJ Harvey throughout the game, but Williams is beginning to gain more trust from the coaching staff. He will have a real opportunity tonight to seize more playing time moving forward.
Trojans Will Need To Continue To Shut Down The Run
Makhi Frazier is the clear lead back for Sparty with 43 carries, good for 206 yards and two touchdowns. Having him in the offense is big for QB Aiden Chiles.
The Trojans have done a good job slowing down the run this season, and the front seven has remained disciplined in avoiding the gash plays on the ground.
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Chiles is an extremely mobile QB, so they have the tall order of keeping him in the pocket while staying gap sound and stopping Frazier.
We will have more on the USC Trojans injury report as we get closer to kick off at 8:00 PM PT.