LOS ANGELES– Michigan State football faced some adversity on the outset heading into its matchup with No. While MSU showed grit and never gave up the fight, it was never enough in a 45-31 defeat to USC. While MSU ranked top ten in run defense through three games, senior running back Eli Sanders found all kinds of space. Just as the MSU defense found a rally though, another dagger loss appeared at the end of the half. That’s what it is.”The MSU defense had opportunities to get a big stop, but speed and athleticism got USC out of trouble.