Limit the USC Passing Attack
USC has had a great start to the season, and that has been in large part due to quarterback Jayden Maivia. This season, he has thrown for 1,587 yards and 11 touchdowns, and in his first conference game this year, he threw for 364 yards in a loss to Illinois.
Although the Michigan defense looked great last week, the Wolverines have struggled in the secondary with more accomplished quarterbacks. The defense gave up 270 yards to John Mateer in their week 2 loss. Mateer, who before his injury was in the Heisman conversation, didn't have much trouble going down the field on this defense, as he is also a runner and had 74 yards rushing as well.
Michigan football also struggled a little bit vs the Nebraska passing attack, where Dylan Raiola threw for 308 yards and three touchdowns. They were able to get a couple of turnovers in this game, but the passing game has been a struggle for Michigan’s defense. With the return of safety Rod Moore, we saw some veteran leadership in the secondary against Wisconsin. Maybe that will be the turning point for this Michigan secondary.