The offensive line isn't good enough
After a positive performance against Nebraska, it's clear that was more about the Huskers than it was about the Wolverines.
Saturday's effort was ugly. Giovanni El-Hadi returned to the starting lineup, yet his play wasn't up to snuff, just like it hasn't been for most of his career.
There was some movement in the running game. It didn't help that Justice Haynes got hurt, but the pass rush of USC was winning. They were winning up front, too.
That's just not acceptable. The offensive line was a strength of this program during its three-year run to glory. That started to drop off last season and in 2025, it's not looking like an anamoly.
Considering Sherrone Moore was formerly the offensive line coach, that's even more disappointing. Michigan won't be Michigan until it fixes that, though.
You can't win championships or even compete for them unless you are solid in the trenches and right now, Michigan still has too many question marks.