It wasn't necessarily surprising that Michigan football lost to USC on Saturday night. The Trojans were the favorites after all.
Yet, the way USC beat Michigan football, was surprising. In some ways, (allowing 224 rushing yards) was shocking.
Michigan football was dominated by a walk-on running back. The Wolverines didn't register a sack, and allowed 489 yards of total offense. If it wasn't for two turnovers, Michigan could have allowed 40 points.
On the other side of the ball, USC sacked Bryce Underwood three times. The Trojans intercepted him once, although Donaven McCulley was clearly held on the play. Underwood threw for over 200 yards. He had a 69-yard touchdown to Andrew Marsh.
Yet, it's hard to find the positives in an 18-point loss that wasn't as close as the final score of 31-13 indicated. Fans were quick so express their displeasure on social media. It's hard to blame them after Michigan suffered a somewhat ugly loss to Oklahoma, earlier this season, too.
The criticism didn't just come from fans, though. Charles Woodson, a Michigan football legend and Fox Sports analyst, said it was "ugly from the start," on X.
The criticism came from other media members, too.
This is the worst part for me. Promoting Sherrone Moore, you assumed you'd never have to worry about OL play. I've said all along they are a year away, but I meant from being elite. There were some strides a few weeks ago, but they've regressed post bye, and that's unacceptable. https://t.co/XG3vxTHMhf
— Trevor McCue (@trevormccue) October 12, 2025
Just an abysmal showing in this second half for Michigan, who prides itself on being a second-half team.
— Zach Shaw (@_ZachShaw) October 12, 2025
Both sides of the ball look lost right now.
This was ugly from the start
— Charles Woodson (@CharlesWoodson) October 12, 2025
I know this new format is still fresh but how many years in a row is it acceptable for Michigan football to miss a 12-team playoff?
— Derick Hutchinson (@Derick_Hutch) October 12, 2025
I questioned last year whether Sherrone Moore could lead the Michigan football program. The first half of Year 2 has not given me any more confidence.
— Derick Hutchinson (@Derick_Hutch) October 12, 2025
Bryce Underwood with the Brady Hoke clap on the sidelines is a fitting tribute.
— Scott Bell (@sbell021) October 12, 2025
When’s the last time Michigan gave up
— Jim Costa (@JimCosta_) October 12, 2025
+225 yards on the ground?
Losing to USC isn’t earth shattering but getting pushed around this bad is embarrassing
This is the worst part for me. Promoting Sherrone Moore, you assumed you'd never have to worry about OL play. I've said all along they are a year away, but I meant from being elite. There were some strides a few weeks ago, but they've regressed post bye, and that's unacceptable. https://t.co/XG3vxTHMhf
— Trevor McCue (@trevormccue) October 12, 2025
Sherrone Moore was the offensive line coach so it's perplexing that Michigan's offensive line is struggling so much. There are six games left to go. Michigan might need to win out to make the playoff but there is plenty to fix before then, although you wonder if it's already too late.
There is a must-win game against Washington next week. If the Wolverines win that, it will quiet some of the noise. If not, it could be a long season.