USC fumbling away win to Michigan leads college football Week 4 winners and losers

Michigan defensive lineman Kenneth Grant (78) tackles Southern California running back Woody Marks (4) during the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024.

It seemed for most of the second half in the Big House that No. 12 Southern California was ready for life in the Big Ten.

That may still be the case: Down 14-3 at the break and with nothing working offensively, the Trojans flipped the script in the second half against No. 17 Michigan and were only a late defensive stand away from kicking off life in the new conference on a very high note.

But the Wolverines scored on a 1-yard run by Kalel Mullings with 36 seconds left and pulled out a 27-24 victory that keeps the defending national champions in the College Football Playoff mix and leaves USC and coach Lincoln Riley frustrated over a win that got away.

There are things to like about the Trojans’ Big Ten debut. For one, the shift in physicality and production on both lines in the second half suggests USC is ready for the style of play in this conference.

Meanwhile, the Trojans were able to augment this running attack with a solid game from quarterback Miller Moss, who was pressured and under duress from the Wolverines’ pass rush but finished with 283 passing yards and three touchdowns. On the other side of the field, Michigan got nothing from quarterback Alex Orji. Making his starting debut, he had 32 passing yards and 43 yards on the ground.

After reeling in new defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn from rival UCLA this winter, the Trojans are also seeing the sort of improved results that could keep this team in the mix for an at-large playoff bid.

But there are also plenty of unresolved question marks. The first is the Trojans’ ability to protect the quarterback, very much in doubt after Saturday. Another is whether USC can afford to…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/usc-fumbling-away-win-michigan-235737521.html

Author : USA TODAY Sports

Publish date : 2024-09-21 23:57:37

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