In a commanding performance, freshman walk-on King Miller led the University of Southern California (USC) to a 31-13 victory over the No. 15 Michigan Wolverines. The game took place on Saturday night in Los Angeles, marking a significant rebound for the Trojans after a narrow loss to Illinois two weeks prior. This win improved USC’s record to 5-1 overall and 3-1 in the Big Ten.
Key Performances and Stats
- King Miller: Rushed for 158 yards and scored a touchdown, becoming the first walk-on to score for USC since 1994.
- Jayden Maiava: Threw for 265 yards, completing two touchdown passes.
- Makai Lemon: Made a crucial 12-yard touchdown catch before halftime.
- USC’s defense: Recorded multiple interceptions, with Bishop Fitzgerald snagging two key picks.
- Michigan’s performance: Quarterback Bryce Underwood passed for 207 yards and two touchdowns.
Game Overview
USC demonstrated a strong running game, amassing a total of 224 rushing yards against Michigan, ranked seventh nationally for run defense. Despite missing two starting offensive linemen, the Trojans executed a gritty style of play.
Head Coach Lincoln Riley expressed pride in his team’s performance, stating, “We really were looking forward to this game… a gritty, tough performance.” USC’s commitment to Big Ten football was evident throughout the evening.
Michigan, now with a record of 4-2 and 2-1 in Big Ten play, struggled to keep pace. Coach Sherrone Moore acknowledged the challenges, saying, “There’s things that we’ve got to look at and fix.” The Wolverines found success on only one of their first six drives until a late touchdown narrowed the gap to 24-13.
Injury Impact and Historical Context
Both teams faced adversity with star running backs sidelined due to injuries. USC’s Waymond Jordan and Michigan’s Justice Haynes were unable to contribute in the second half. Miller seized the opportunity, showcasing his skills with impressive long runs of 49 and 47 yards.
This victory marked USC’s first win against Michigan since the 2007 Rose Bowl. The game attracted a large crowd, with thousands of Michigan fans present in the historic Los Angeles Coliseum.
Looking Ahead
USC aims to maintain its momentum as they prepare to face Notre Dame next week, while Michigan will host Washington. Both teams are looking to continue their journeys toward improved standings in the Big Ten.
In summary, King Miller’s standout performance and USC’s cohesive team effort proved decisive in their victory over Michigan, setting the stage for an exciting matchup next week.
