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USC bounced back in a big way after a tough loss to Illinois, rolling to a 31–13 victory over Michigan before a sellout crowd of 75,500 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
By Earl Heath | Contributing Sports Writer
USC bounced back in a big way after a tough loss to Illinois, rolling to a 31–13 victory over Michigan before a sellout crowd of 75,500 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
Freshman walk-on King Miller stole the show, rushing for 158 yards and a touchdown, while quarterback Jayden Maiava threw for 265 yards and two scores.
Ground Game Powers the Win
Playing without two starting offensive linemen, the Trojans leaned on a physical running attack, piling up 224 rushing yards—most of them from Miller—against the nation’s seventh-ranked run defense.
Miller made the most of his opportunity with USC’s top three tailbacks sidelined by injury. He ripped off runs of 49 and 47 yards to extend second-half drives and became the first walk-on to score a touchdown for USC since 1994 with a 15-yard run in the third quarter.
“It’s a dream come true,” Miller said after the game. “All I wanted was a chance, and my teammates made it happen.”
Defense Locks In
Safety Bishop Fitzgerald led the Trojan defense with two interceptions, part of a standout effort that kept Michigan from ever finding a rhythm.
Receiver Ja’Kobi Lane opened the game with a short touchdown catch to cap USC’s smooth opening drive.
Historic Matchup
The game marked Michigan’s first trip to Southern California since beating Alabama in the Rose Bowl 22 months ago on the way to its national championship under former coach Jim Harbaugh, who now leads the Los Angeles Chargers. The 102-year-old Coliseum was packed for USC’s only home game in October, with thousands of Wolverines fans in attendance.
The Week 7 showdown carried major implications, as both programs sought to prove they’re legitimate Big Ten and College Football Playoff contenders. For USC head coach Lincoln Riley, the win marked one of his biggest since joining the Trojans—a top-15 victory that served as both redemption and statement.
USC not only avenged last year’s road loss to Michigan, but also earned its first non–Rose Bowl Game victory over the Wolverines. Michigan had been 3–0 in regular-season meetings before Saturday.
Michigan’s Effort
Wolverines quarterback Bryce Underwood threw for 207 yards, completing 15 of 24 passes. Receiver Andrew Marsh tallied a career-best 138 yards on eight catches, while running backs Jordan Marshall (67 yards on 13 carries) and Justice Hayes (51 yards on 10 carries) combined for another 114 yards on the ground. Hayes was limited to just over a quarter of play due to injury.
Notable Guests
The game drew a star-studded crowd of Trojan and Wolverine legends, including Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Allen, USC great Willie McGinest, and Michigan alum and world champion Derek Hubbard with wife Sarah Hubbard.
Up Next
Next week, USC travels to South Bend to face Notre Dame, while Michigan returns home to host Washington.