Being More Physical
It’s no secret that Michigan’s biggest game plan is to bully the other team, whether it’s through the run game or at the line of scrimmage. USC is more of a flashier style of play, and one thing they have been criticized for is not being tough enough when the game gets rough and they need to be more physical.
In their matchup last year, Michigan football only had 32 yards passing and gained its yards on the ground with 290 rushing yards. Michigan’s offense has a significant upgrade this year, almost at every position, but maybe the philosophy doesn't need to change.
Justice Haynes has been unstoppable in the first five games of the season, and with even a little lane from the offensive line can lead to a huge run. If the offensive line can manage to control the game and be dominant like in years past, this game doesn’t need to fall on the shoulders of Bryce Underwood.
Michigan can control this game strictly with the run game, even with a struggling offensive line. The USC defensive line is going to be tested in this game, already allowing 227 yards rushing this season, and they are going to have to find a way to stop the run game.
Although Michigan is trying to rely less on the run, this can be a perfect game to use it as they always have.