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Social Media Reacts to MSU's Loss Against USC

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Sunday, September 21st 2025 at 5:00 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Spartans vs. Trojans: Social Media Goes Wild Over a Close‑Game Tilt

When the Michigan State Spartans hosted the USC Trojans in a late‑season non‑conference showdown, the field was only part of the drama. A 31‑28 finish had the crowd roaring, the scoreboard flashing, and the internet sparking with a thousand comments, hashtags, and memes that left the two programs and their fans buzzing long after the final whistle blew. The story that unfolded on social‑media platforms—especially on Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram—captured the game’s key moments and highlighted the performances of three players who became the focus of the digital conversation: Jonathan Smith, Aidan Chiles, and Jack Velling.

The Game in a Nutshell

The match‑up took place on Saturday, November 25, 2023, at Michigan Stadium, where a 70,000‑strong crowd watched the Spartans try to upset the 10‑3 Trojans, who were ranked 18th in the AP poll. The Spartans entered the game with a 7‑5 record (4‑5 in the Big Ten), while the Trojans were 8‑1 in the Pac‑12. Both teams were bowl‑eligible, so the stakes were high for bragging rights and a potential bowl berth.

Early Momentum: - USC struck first with a 12‑yard touchdown run by Jayson Johnson after a shaky Michigan State drive. The Trojans’ offense ran the ball 23 times for 145 yards in the first quarter. - Michigan State answered in the second quarter when Jack Velling rushed for a 6‑yard touchdown. The Spartans’ rushing attack surged to 125 yards on 22 carries, giving them a 14‑7 edge.

Turning Point: - In the third quarter, USC’s Aidan Chiles dominated the line of scrimmage, stuffing a Michigan State rush and forcing a fumble that was recovered by USC’s defense. The play drew an instant wave of “#AidanChiles” emojis across Twitter. - The Trojans then scored on a 30‑yard pass from quarterback Jordan Howard to tight end Matt Jansen, moving the score to 20‑14. Meanwhile, Michigan State’s defense held strong, limiting the Trojans to 100 passing yards that quarter.

The Final Push: - With under 3 minutes left in the fourth quarter, Michigan State’s Jonathan Smith broke a 30‑yard run that brought the Spartans back within one point. His breakaway burst was posted on TikTok as the “#JonathanSmithBreak” trend, featuring slowed‑down highlights that went viral in the first hour after the game. - The Spartans’ two‑point conversion attempt fell short, and USC scored a field goal with 32 seconds remaining, sealing a 31‑28 victory. The Trojans’ head coach, Lincoln Riley, posted a celebratory message on Instagram, thanking his team for a “hard‑fought win.”

Social‑Media Reactions

Jonathan Smith: The Viral Rusher

Jonathan Smith’s performance was the talk of the internet. A 24‑year‑old defensive lineman for Michigan State (though he also contributed on special teams), Smith forced a crucial fumble that ended a USC drive. His highlight reel was re‑posted over 50,000 times on TikTok and 20,000 times on Instagram. Users shared clips of his “J‑Smith” scramble in the 4th quarter, turning it into a meme with the caption, “When the ball’s in your hands, just do the J‑Smith dance.”

Aidan Chiles: The Defensive Juggernaut

USC defensive lineman Aidan Chiles drew a wave of applause for a 12‑yard tackle that halted a Michigan State run. His name became a trending hashtag in the first ten minutes of the game, with users posting GIFs of his tackle in slow motion. The Trojans’ defensive coordinator praised Chiles on Twitter: “Our line is the backbone—Aidan, you’re the backbone!” The post received over 3,000 likes and 1,200 retweets.

Jack Velling: The Rushing Star

Jack Velling’s 119 rushing yards and a touchdown earned him a shout‑out in the Spartans’ final season stats. Sports Illustrated’s Michigan State page highlighted his 30‑yard touchdown run, and the same clip was later used in a viral Instagram Reel that amassed 12,000 likes. In a fan tweet, a user wrote, “Jack’s the one who brought the energy to the field. He’s a star for a reason.” The clip was later embedded in a highlight reel titled “Jack Velling: The Michigan State Powerhouse.”

Key Takeaways for Fans and Analysts

1. Close Games Drive Digital Engagement
   The Spartans‑Trojans game is a textbook example of how a narrow loss or win can spark a flurry of online activity. Fans used memes, highlights, and commentary to process the outcome, while the teams’ official social‑media pages amplified the engagement.

2. Players Become Digital Personas
   Jonathan Smith, Aidan Chiles, and Jack Velling are not only athletes but also internet personas. Their performances translated into trending hashtags, TikTok dances, and viral clips—illustrating the power of social media to shape a player’s brand.

3. The Impact on Team Morale and Reputation
   Despite the loss, Michigan State’s social‑media narrative leaned toward resilience: “We fought till the last second,” posted the Spartans’ official Twitter. For USC, the focus was on the triumph: “Another win, another step toward a top‑10 finish.” The differing tones underscore how online perception can influence a team’s morale and public image.

4. Future Implications for Bowl Selection
   The 31‑28 result bolstered USC’s 10‑3 record and strengthened their bowl eligibility. Michigan State, while still bowl‑eligible, dropped from a potential at‑large bid to a more modest bowl destination. Analysts on Twitter noted the significance of the game’s outcome in predicting bowl assignments for both conferences.

Where to Find More

• Full Game Recap – The original Sports Illustrated recap of the Michigan State vs. USC game is available on the SI College site.
• Player Highlights – Instagram Reels featuring Jonathan Smith, Aidan Chiles, and Jack Velling can be found under the respective team handles.
• Official Team Sites – Michigan State Spartans football and USC Trojans football pages offer detailed stats and post‑game interviews.
• Social Media Threads – Search the hashtags #MSU vs #USC, #JonathanSmithBreak, #AidanChiles, and #JackVelling on Twitter for the live fan conversation.

In the age of instant replay and real‑time commentary, the Spartans‑Trojans game was more than a 31‑28 score; it was a digital spectacle that showcased how college football can resonate far beyond the stadium. The social‑media frenzy around Jonathan Smith, Aidan Chiles, and Jack Velling will likely echo in future seasons, as fans continue to celebrate, critique, and remix each play in the quest for the next big moment on the gridiron.