We are just a few hours away from the USC Trojans hosting Michigan State in their first Big Ten home game of the season.
Like USC, Michigan State comes into this game 3-0 and has played a somewhat soft schedule to open the year. The lack of serious competition leaves a lot of unknowns, but there is still enough tape out there that can give the USC Trojans an advantage.
Spartans quarterback Aiden Chiles is a very talented passer and also extremely lethal with his legs. Keeping him in the pocket will be key for the Trojans if they want to keep Michigan State from extending drives.
The best and most efficient way to accomplish this is with constant and relentless pressure. Against pressure, Chiles is a different (and not very good) quarterback.
So far this season, he has been pressured 32 times (3rd worst in the Big Ten). Remember, this is against the likes of Western Michigan, Boston College, and Youngstown State. When pressured, Chiles has a:
- 34.0 Pass Grade (3rd worst)
- 3 Turnover Worthy Passes (2nd worst)
- 25% Pressure to Sack % (3rd worst)
- 56.3% Adjusted Completion % (4th worst)
Michigan State QB Aidan Chiles under Pressure:
— Arrogant Nation✌🏻 (@FightOnRusty) September 18, 2025
👻 32 QB Pressures (3rd worst in B1G)
👻 34.0 Pass grade (3rd worst)
👻 3 Turnover Worthy Passes (2nd worst)
👻 25% Pressure to Sack % (3rd worst)
👻 56.3% Adjusted Completion % (4th worst) #FightOn✌🏻pic.twitter.com/X3Tk0Ix2dO
Can The USC Trojans Continue With Sustained Pressure While Rushing 4?
Over the first three games, the USC Trojans have 60 total pressures, per PFF. They had 31 last week against Purdue.
Devan Thompkins led the team last week with 7 pressures, and true freshman Floyd Boucard had an astounding 6 pressures on just 17 snaps.
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If the Trojans can get 31 pressures tonight and convert a good clip of those to sacks (they had 6 last week), they should fare well in this contest.
The secondary has struggled to find its footing so far this season, and they are going up against two very talented wide receivers in Nick Marsh and Omari Kelly, so it will be extremely beneficial if USC can rush just four and get that kind of pressure.
This will allow the defense to keep 7 back in coverage, clogging passing lanes. It will also allow one of the linebackers to be a roving spy so that if Chiles does escape, he won’t be able to break one for a big gain.
Kick off is set for 8:00 PM PT. There are sure to be some fireworks!