Michigan running back Kalel Mullings (20) runs against USC during the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024.
In order to gain more insights into USC’s loss to Michigan, one small but real piece of the story is that the Texas team which hammered Michigan is far, far better than the LSU team USC narrowly defeated. Michigan gained a lot more value from its Texas loss than USC did from its win over LSU. Michigan looked a lot more prepared for a big game after running up against Texas and its elite quality. USC beating a not-very-good LSU team left the Trojans underprepared for the physical challenge Michigan provided.
Consider LSU’s shaky win over the UCLA Bruins, as noted by LSU Wire:
“LSU’s Week 4 script wasn’t much different than the one we’ve seen so far this season. LSU didn’t play its best football in the first half before coming up with clutch plays to put it away in the second and get the win with UCLA in town. The Tigers and Bruins went to the half tied at 17, but that would be all the points UCLA scored all day after the LSU defense pitched a shutout in the second half.
“In what’s becoming a trend, LSU allowed too many explosive plays but made enough havoc plays to mitigate the damage. On the offensive side of the ball, QB Garrett Nussmeier surpassed the 300-yard mark and Mason Taylor led the way with eight catches for 77 yards.”
Let’s continue this discussion below about the Texas-LSU comparison which factored into USC-Michigan:
UP FRONT
Tim Prangley, Trojans Wire
Elijah Paige is a big, young man … and he got worked by Michigan’s defensive front. It’s clear which side won the physical battle when USC had the ball. Texas really got Michigan’s attention, and the Wolverines’ defensive line made big improvements as a result.
LSU TIED WITH UCLA AT HOME AT HALFTIME
Tim…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/michigan-learned-lot-more-texas-160824786.html
Author : Trojans Wire
Publish date : 2024-09-23 16:08:24
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