Do the USC Trojans have a problem with the trenches? Problems on offense and defense

The No. 13 USC Trojans were beaten at the line of scrimmage in their 27-24 loss to the No. 12 Michigan Wolverines. Michigan relied on a strong running attack and pass rush to keep the Trojans in check, and it did so successfully.

Michigan's offensive and defensive lines controlled the game and were the biggest keys to the Wolverines' victory. The Trojans will now have to start all over again when they head home from Ann Arbor to face the Wisconsin Badgers on Saturday, September 28th.

Michigan hurts USC on the ground

The Michigan Wolverines ran the ball at will on Saturday and rushed for 290 yards. Their best running back was Kalel Mullings, who carried the ball 17 times for 159 yards and 2 touchdowns. Fellow running back Donovan Edwards carried the ball 14 times for 74 yards and scored a touchdown of his own.

Michigan quarterback Alex Orji didn't have to use his arm much in his first start of the 2024 season. Orji completed just 7 of 12 passes for 32 yards and ran 13 times for 43 yards.

Although Michigan's offense was one-dimensional all game, the Trojans couldn't seem to stop them. USC's offense outgained their defense at the Michigan 11-yard line for a 24-20 lead with 4 minutes left. Needing just one stop against an offense that hadn't proven it was capable of throwing its ball, the Trojans allowed a 63-yard run by Mullings on third down, putting the Wolverines in the red zone.

Mullings put the ball in the end zone a few plays later, giving Michigan a 27-24 lead and the win. Even the much-improved USC defense was no match for Michigan's onslaught.

Wolverines defensive line pressures Miller Moss

On the other side of the ball, Michigan's defensive line was hot on the heels of USC's offensive line and Trojans quarterback Miller Moss. Moss was harassed throughout the game, making it difficult for the Trojans offense to get into a rhythm. Moss was sacked four times and pressured another ten times.

In addition, the Wolverines defense managed to hold the Trojans to less than 100 yards.

For the Trojans, this game was a “welcome to the Big Ten” moment. They need to get much better at the line of scrimmage if they want to compete in this conference now and in the future, starting with the offensive lines and defensive lines.

The Trojans need to get more comfortable in these ugly, messy games. They have talent at quarterback and at the specialty positions that are as good as anyone in the country. Where they need to improve is in the trenches.