Los Angeles — The beauty of the sunny Pacific coast faded into dark clouds and fog as Michigan State warmed up for its Big Ten opener on the road at Southern Cal. Ominous, imposing. A lot like the challenge that laid ahead of the Spartans inside L.A. Memorial Coliseum.

It’d be a long night for Michigan State. In a game that stretched well past 2 a.m. back home, the Spartans stumbled as a high-octane USC offense picked an injury-riddled defense apart. Despite a strong second-half push, Michigan State took a 45-31 loss into its bye week, one it looks to desperately need.

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