For the first time since 1958, No. 11 Southern California will visit Ann Arbor, Mich., to take on No. 18 Michigan for the Trojans’ first-ever Big Ten Conference game.
USC (2-0, 0-0 Big Ten) last visited Michigan Stadium on Sept. 27, 1958, for a 20-19 Wolverines win. The two programs faced off in seven Rose Bowl Games in the years since, last meeting in the 2007 edition.
“Two of the most iconic brands (in college football playing) … it’s cool, man,” USC coach Lincoln Riley said at his post-practice media availability on Tuesday.
The Trojans aim to make a statement about their place in the new-look Big Ten by knocking off the conference’s three-time defending champion and the reigning national champion in Michigan (2-1, 0-0).
USC heads into traditional Big Ten territory for the first time coming off a bye week. The Trojans won their first two games in nonconference play, but needed a decisive touchdown in the closing seconds of their 27-20 Week 1 win over LSU in Las Vegas.
No such heroics were needed in Week 2, as USC pounded Utah State, 48-0. Trojans running backs combined for five rushing touchdowns against the Aggies, led by Quinten Joyner’s two.
Woody Marks reached the end zone twice against LSU, including on the game-winner.
The bye week provided USC with an opportunity to heal up, most notably linebacker Mason Cobb and cornerback Jaylin Smith. Both returned to practice on Tuesday and should play key roles as the Trojans look to extend Michigan’s initial offensive woes.
The Wolverines endured a rocky nonconference slate. After losing a 31-12 rout at home in Week 2 to Texas, they were sluggish offensively for stretches last week in a 28-18 win over Arkansas State, prompting a quarterback change.
Alex Orji will make his first career start after closing out the Week 3 victory. Stepping in for Davis Warren, Orji passed for a touchdown and carried for 27 yards.
“Take the reins, perform like he did the first couple weeks of camp,” coach Sherrone Moore said of his advice to Orji ahead of the quarterback’s move to the first string. “I think he will. He’s had a great couple weeks of practice — so has Davis, but obviously you’ve got to perform in the game.”
Warren threw progressively more interceptions each week, from one in the opener vs. Fresno State, to two against Texas and then three vs. Arkansas State before his benching.
With the passing game seeking its footing, Michigan has leaned on Kalel Mullings carrying the ball. Mullings is averaging 7.5 yards on his 36 rushes.
While Michigan is trying to recapture its offensive productivity from a year ago, the Wolverines’ defense remains stout through three games. Michigan is holding opponents to 70 rushing yards per game behind the effort of a talented front seven, starting on the line with All-American Mason Graham.
Graham is a Southern California native. Riley said on Tuesday that he recruited the defensive tackle to USC upon taking the job in late 2021, but that Graham was firmly committed to Michigan by then.
Graham is one of the “(future) NFL players all over” the Wolverines’ roster, as Riley described it.
