2. USC convoyed their way on the line of scrimmage
The scripts completely flipped from last season's Michigan win in Ann Arbor. USC couldn't rush for over 100 yards and Michigan's backs came within an eyelash of 300 yards on the ground. It didn't help that Justice Haynes got dinged up and Michigan had to move away from their identity.
The longest rushing play that Wink Martindale's defense permitted before Saturday was 20 yards to Central Michigan. King Miller looked like the Heisman candidate that Justice Haynes has been resembling in the first five games of the season.
The much-maligned Trojan defense got to Underwood with a total of three sacks and forced two turnovers. After its debacle in Champagne, it rebounded with its most sublime performance of 2025. USC will gladly embrace that momentum as it heads into South Bend next Saturday.