Injury Halts USC-Michigan State Game as Wayne Matthews is Rushed to Hospital

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — The football game between the No. 25 USC Trojans and the Michigan State Spartans was halted just 42 seconds before halftime due to a serious injury sustained by Spartans linebacker Wayne Matthews. During a play in the second quarter, Matthews went down after a pileup involving USC’s Waymond Jordan.

Initially, play appeared normal, but Matthews remained on the ground motionless, prompting immediate medical attention. USC was leading 17-10 at the time of the injury. The game was halted for approximately 17 minutes as medical personnel placed Matthews on a stretcher and loaded him onto a cart before taking him to a nearby ambulance.

Both teams and fans were visibly shaken. Matthews was transported to LA General Hospital, a Level 1 trauma center, according to Fox sideline reporter Alexa Landestoy. Though moments were tense, Matthews was seen moving his arms and legs while giving a thumbs-up gesture to teammates as he departed.

“It was something of a non-descript play,” said FOX commentator Jason Benetti. “Pretty immediately, it was clear that Wayne Matthews was going to need help off the field. We’re thinking of everybody down there right now. Wayne Matthews, centrally.”

Support for Matthews poured in from both sides. Former Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III acknowledged the emotional impact of such injuries on players and spectators alike. “People forget that football players are human. When you see a guy like that go down, it affects us all,” Griffin said.

After the injury, USC scored a touchdown, ending the half with a 24-10 lead over Michigan State. The Spartans gathered in a circle on the field to pray for their teammate, reflecting the unity and compassion that often surfaces in the wake of sports injuries.