India, Sept. 21 -- Michigan State linebacker Wayne Matthews III was taken off the field by ambulance during Saturday's game against USC. The scene was tense and quiet inside the stadium until Matthews lifted a thumb in the air, a sign that sparked applause but did little to ease the concern.

The play unfolded on first-and-goal at the nine-yard line. Matthews went in on a tackle of USC running back MarShawn Lloyd. Defensive end Quindarius Dunnigan was also part of the stop. The impact left Matthews lying on the turf, unmoving.

Medical staff rushed out immediately. They removed his helmet and gear, secured his neck, and placed him on a backboard before carting him into the ambulance. He was sent to LA General Medical Center, a Level-1 tra...