LOS ANGELES– USC bounced back from their last second loss at Illinios with a resounding 31-13 victory over historic rival, the NO. 15 Michigan Wolverines at the sold out Coliseum on Saturday, October 11.
improving to 5-1 and 3-1 in the Big Ten. Led by quarterback Jayden Maiava is emerging as a legitimate Heisman Trophy candidate and running back King Miller, USC’s offense gashed Michigan (4-2, 2-1) for 489 yards while the USC defense bottled up Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood.
What was far more encouraging is the Trojans defense, the biggest liability had its signature performance. Michigan was kept in check.
Michigan Quarterback Bryce Underwood threw for just 207 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Running back Justice Haynes, who entered the game as the No. 3 rusher in the FBS, left it with an abdominal injury after rushing for 51 yards in the first half.
Michigan’s offense struggled to break through until the fourth quarter, when Underwood hit freshman Andrew Marsh for a 69-yard touchdown that pulled the Wolverines within 24-13.
“Several years ago, (this is) kind of what we all dreamed this would be,” Riley said. “Coliseum lit up — two iconic programs going at it. Trojans coming off the field with the victory and the place totally on fire.”
Maiava completed 25 of 32 passes for 265 yards with two touchdowns. Miller, filling in for injured starter Waymond Jordan, ran for 158 yards on an 8.8-yard average. Staying steady while displaying poise guiding the Trojans to victory.
USC also got a big game from wide receiver Makai Lemon, who caught nine passes for 93 yards and a highlight-reel touchdown late in the first half.
The Trojans just notched their best conference win since joining the Big Ten. They were the more physical team against one of the conference’s better programs.
The road doesn’t get any easier. For instance, next week USC travels to South Bend to take on Notre Dame. Come to think of it, is there any team with as many fierce rivals as the USC Trojans?
It comes with the territory when a team has decades of success and championships behind them.
On Saturday October 18, USC at Notre Dame is the game of the year. Kickoff is slated for 4:30 pm.
