After a disappointing loss to Illinois, the USC Trojans are going to be out for blood this Saturday as they host the No. 15 Michigan Wolverines.
In the Big Ten matchup, the Wolverines have to rely on their run game in order to get past the Trojans, especially since it has carried them this far.
Led by the talents of running backs Justice Haynes and Jordan Marshall, as well as quarterback Bryce Underwood, Michigan has already earned 1,189 rushing yards this season. Nationally, the Wolverines rank 25th for EPA per rush attempt and 47th for rushing success on offense.
The Michigan run game vs. the USC rush defense
Yes, Underwood is a good throwing quarterback, but his true value comes from his dual-threat capabilities. His running talents alongside the unstoppable forces of Haynes and Marshall have turned the Michigan rushing offense into a three-headed monster.
Meanwhile, the USC defense has struggled against its opponents' running efforts. Currently, the Trojans rank 62nd for EPA on the defensive side of a running play and 123rd on defensive success against the run.
Because of USC's woes and Michigan's success on the ground, the Wolverines and head coach Sherrone Moore have to lean into what works best for them.
Also read: 4 Michigan football players who need more snaps against USC
The Trojans took down the Purdue Boilermakers and Michigan State Spartans before losing to the Illinois Fighting Illini, so they were right on track to exceed expectations in conference play. However, it's the Wolverines, who are 2-0 with wins over Nebraska and Wisconsin, doing that very thing; blowing people's expectations out of the water.
On Saturday, Oct. 11, No. 15 Michigan and unranked USC are scheduled to kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET, and the game will be broadcast on NBC.