NFL
By George Lopez
The USC Trojans return to the Los Angeles Coliseum this Saturday as they host the University of Michigan in a BIG10 matchup. The Trojans playing the Wolverines brings back fond memories of the two schools battling each other in the Rose Bowl. The Trojans are coming off a bye week, looking to bounce back from a disappointing 34-32 loss to Illinois. The Wolverines are coming off a 24-10 victory over Wisconsin. Both teams are looking to stay within striking distance of the leaders in the Big Ten Conference.
Quarterback Jayden Maiava has gotten off to a tremendous start this year and his put himself into the Heisman Trophy conversation. For the season, Maiava has passed for 1587 yards with 11 touchdowns and only 1 interception while completing 70% of his passes. Maiava has also added 4 rushing touchdowns. Ja’Kobi Lane has teamed up with Makai Lemon to give Maiava one of the top receiving duos in the country. Lane has been limited in the last two games due to an injury.
With Lane’s availability limited, Lemon has stepped up to become Maiava’s top target with 35 receptions and 5 touchdowns this season. The Wolverines’ pass defense gives up an average of 206 yards per game. Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley will look to use a game plan to attack the Wolverines’ secondary. Michigan will key on limiting the productivity of both Lemon and Lane. Look for Trojans TE Lake McRee to play a significant role in the Trojans’ passing attack against Michigan.
Throughout the season, the Trojans’ offense has relied on a strong running game to maintain a balanced offensive attack. On the season, the Trojans have averaged 227 rushing yards per game. The running game is led by Waymond Jordan and Eli Sanders, who have rushed for 537 and 264 yards, respectively. The Trojans’ running game will face a strong challenge against the Michigan run defense. On the season, the Wolverines have given up an average of 77 rushing yards per game. The Trojans do not want to abandon their running game. Look for Coach Riley to go with his running game early and keep a balanced offensive attack.
In their loss to Illinois, the Trojans’ defense gave up over 500 yards of total offense. The Trojans’ run defense, which had been solid all season, allowed 171 rushing yards to Illinois. The defensive line was beaten off the line of scrimmage throughout the game. The Trojans will face a Michigan offense that averages 238 rushing yards per game. The Trojans can be certain that Michigan has studied the game film from the game against Illinois to see how they can attack the Trojans with their running game.
Justice Haynes is the leading ball carrier for the Wolverines. On the season, Haynes has rushed for 671 yards and 8 touchdowns while averaging over 7 yards per carry. RB Jordan Marshall will spell Haynes in the Wolverines’ backfield and has rushed for 233 yards on the season. Trojans defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn and his defensive staff spent the off week working to shore up the issues that plagued the Trojans’ run defense against Illinois. Look for Michigan to go to its running game early and often to test the Trojans’ run defense. If the Trojans face similar issues in their run defense as they did against Illinois, look for Coach Lynn to call more run blitzes to help contain the Michigan running game.
While the Trojans will focus on stopping the Michigan running game, they cannot sleep on quarterback Bryce Underwood. On the season, Underwood averages 200 passing yards a game. Like Maiava, Underwood has done a good job of taking care of the football, throwing only 1 interception this season. The Trojans’ pass rush will need to be disciplined with their outside pass rush. Underwood, will tuck the ball and run, having rushed for 214 yards on the season. The edge rushers will need to maintain containment to prevent Underwood from escaping to the outside. Look for Coach Lynn to put a spy on Underwood to shadow him if he attempts to scramble out of the pocket.
Against Illinois, the Trojans’ defense allowed over 330 passing yards. Expect Michigan to test the Trojans’ pass coverage. Donaven McCulley has been Underwood’s top target on the season with 19 receptions. Underwood has spread the ball around, completing passes to 14 different receivers this season. While keying on McCulley, the Trojans’ pass defense cannot forget about Semaj Morgan and Marlin Klein, who have accounted for 16 and 11 receptions respectively for the Wolverines. The Trojans expect Michigan to go to their running early and often, but the defense cannot solely focus on stopping the running game, or Underwood will pick them apart in the passing game. The Trojans’ defense will need to be disciplined in all aspects of their game plan.
Michigan traveling west to play USC in football rekindles memories of both teams ‘ intense Rose Bowl battles. Both teams are looking to improve to 5-1 on the season and stay close to the leaders in the BIG 10 Conference. Look for both teams to attempt to establish their running game early to soften up the defense. In the end, look for the Trojans to pull away late and come away with a tough, hard-fought victory.
Trojans 27
Wolverines 24
