Michigan Football: 3 takeaways from climatic win over USC

2. Alex Orji played careful and cautiously

The first career start for Orji was by no way a masterclass of how to play the quarterback position. He did have 43 yards on the ground and didn't turn the ball over. His arm only produced 32 yards, which was the lowest since 1996.

As expected Kirk Campbell and the offense kept it rather comfortable for him. He didn't throw the ball deep and didn't force it like Davis Warren was doing last week. He stated afterward that he wanted a "ball-secure, hard-earned victory" and that's exactly what he got. Like it or not Orji has a lot to work on, especially through the air, but this is a season-changing win and Orji will be the guy moving forward.

Winning without its number one weapon in the passing game is a big deal too. The offensive line really stepped up the most in his absence with its blocking on the explosive plays. Greg Crippen and Dominick Giudice shared time at center again. Fan favorite Max Bredeson made the game-winning block on the go ahead touchdown with less than a minute remaining.