Two storied college football teams will meet in the Coliseum this weekend. Michigan and USC each have their own history books, and some of the most exciting chapters have been co-written.
Words have been hurled from both sides in the week leading up to Saturday’s game, making this iteration even more enticing. The Trojans have the chance to get an exciting, signature win on Saturday, which could not only give them an edge in the budding rivalry but also set them up for success in an important stretch of games.
“Games like this are special,” Riley said. “They are unique. I think we’ll feel that, all of us that are in the Coliseum tomorrow. You understand that these are games that you’re going to remember.”
USC (4-1 overall, 2-1 Big Ten) has 11 national championships, while No. 15 Michigan (4-1, 2-0) has 12. The stakes are high whenever the two face off — only three of their 11 meetings have been non-bowl games and the Trojans have a 6-5 edge in overall wins between the two.
The Rose Bowl featured a USC-Michigan game eight times from 1970 to 2007, with the Trojans coming out on top six times. The most points USC scored against the Wolverines in any of those games was 32 and five game outcomes were decided by a touchdown or less.
This weekend will be another competitive addition to history. It’ll also be a sellout, which Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore attributes to his team.
“We’re not celebrating going to the Coliseum,” Moore told reporters on Monday. “There’s no pictures and selfies because we’re at the nice Coliseum. It’s sold out, but it’s sold out because Michigan is coming.”
Lincoln Riley had a response the next day.
“I don’t really care what he says,” he told reporters. “We’re looking forward to playing.”
A win on Saturday is imperative for USC. The outcome of the game could set the tone for the following two games at Notre Dame and Nebraska, which will also be challenging, physical opponents.
The series of games as a whole can define USC’s season and affect the CFP playoffs. Getting multiple wins can also reinforce recruits’ decisions to come to the school and give Riley some additional job security.
And with a 27-24 loss to the Wolverines last season, historical bragging rights are also on the line.
“I’ve been a part of some cool different rivalries throughout my career,” Riley said. “You always remember those and there are some moments for all of us on all sides, that it’s like, hey, this is pretty cool that we all get to be a part of USC-Michigan tomorrow in the Coliseum. That’s big-time stuff for what these two programs have accomplished throughout time.”
When Michigan has the ball
The Wolverines have a run-heavy offense that matches their reputation as a physical team, but don’t overlook quarterback Bryce Underwood.
Running back Justice Haynes is the top running back in the conference at 130.8 yards per game and 7.7 yards per carry. He’s had five straight games of over 100 yards on the ground.
“Animal,” Moore said. “He should be up for the Heisman. He’s an explosive player. When he got here in the spring, he never got caught whenever he had those explosive runs.”
Underwood, a 6-foot-4, 228-pound freshman, has completed 59% of his passes for 1,003 yards and three touchdowns with one interception. His size and ability to manufacture plays on the ground set him apart, and he’s rushing for an average of 36.2 yards per game.
USC’s defense is coming off a poor performance against Illinois but the coaching staff says refreshing the basics has them ready to perform this week. Despite the loss to the Illini, the Trojans still have the second-most sacks and tackles for loss in the conference.
When USC has the ball
The Trojans have built a skilled, explosive offense that boasts the top receiving grade in the Pro Football Focus rankings at 89.7%. Makai Lemon can plow his way to the end zone and Ja’Kobi Lane creates mismatches on the outside due to his height, although he has been in and out of games this season due to undisclosed injuries.
It’s unclear how USC’s offensive line will perform. Left tackle Elijah Paige may or may not play due to an undisclosed injury, and the Trojans will have a new starting center in J’Onre Reed. The Syracuse transfer has experience from his previous school but will be playing in his first game since Dec. 27, 2024.
“He has really worked behind the scenes, particularly in these last couple of months while Kilian was playing the majority of the snaps,” Riley said of Reed. “He put a lot of extra time into it. He was even more engaged in practice and so when his moment came up, he was more ready. And that’s why he’s going to play well tomorrow.”
Michigan has one of the highest-graded defenses, according to Pro Football Focus. Their 91.6% ranks them 11th in the NCAA and their run defense is graded particularly well at 92.9%. Running back Waymond Jordan’s vision and pace have allowed him to rush for 107.4 yards per game, which ranks him just behind Haynes, statistically, in the Big Ten.
No. 15 MICHIGAN (4-1 overall, 2-0 Big Ten) at USC (4-1, 2-1)
When: Saturday, 4:30 p.m.
Where: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
TV/Radio: NBC/ESPN 710
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