Despite turning the ball over twice in the red zone, football’s potent offensive attack was too much for No. 15 Michigan to handle Saturday as the Trojans came out of a bye week with momentum despite key injuries, leading to a 31-13 win. With the multi-score victory, Head Coach Lincoln Riley’s squad is likely back in the College Football Playoff conversation after dropping off The Associated Press’ Top 25 following a loss to No. 17 Illinois two weeks prior.

USC (5-1, 3-1 Big Ten) started hot by marching down the field for a touchdown on its opening drive, led by another efficient effort from redshirt junior quarterback Jayden Maiava as well as tough runs from junior running back Waymond Jordan. After the defense forced a Michigan (4-2, 2-1) three-and-out, the Trojans cruised down the field yet again but were halted by the first of two costly turnovers — a fumble on what would have been a 24-yard gain from redshirt senior tight end Lake McRee.

The other red zone turnover, an overthrown floater from Maiava that was intercepted, looked like it would result in a Michigan comeback in the third quarter. However, redshirt senior safety Bishop Fitzgerald read the eyes of freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood deep in USC’s territory for a pick of his own, his fourth of the season. Fitzgerald also added a massive 11-yard sack that crushed Michigan’s momentum early in the second quarter.

Maiava completed 25-of-32 passes for 265 yards and two touchdowns, showing poise — after his second interception of the season — to make good decisions and burn clock late in the game to ensure victory and halt a Michigan attempt. A 54-yard field goal from redshirt freshman kicker Ryon Sayeri in the fourth quarter was also a major factor in the Trojans sealing the win.

Both junior wide receiver Makai Lemon and junior wide receiver Ja’Kobi Lane caught at least five passes and scored a touchdown, though it was Lemon who led the way for the passing game. Lemon caught nine passes for 93 yards, including two massive catches in a three-minute drill to close the first half, which put USC up 14-7.

With both Jordan and redshirt senior running back Eli Sanders exiting the game with apparent injuries in the second quarter, it was up to redshirt freshman King Miller to deliver — which he certainly did. Miller broke out with two carries of 40 or more yards that contributed to his 158-yard total and a touchdown on 18 attempts, with an average of 8.8 yards. Jordan rushed for 39 yards on 11 attempts, for an average of 3.5. Sophomore running back Bryan Jackson also added a touchdown of his own in the fourth quarter.

Despite the fumble, McRee, as well as sophomore tight end Walker Lyons, had multiple catches of more than 20 yards in key spots to aid the Trojan attack.

While Underwood started the game slowly, his connection with freshman wide receiver Andrew Marsh was key to multiple Michigan drives that threatened the Trojan lead. Marsh went for 138 yards on eight catches and a touchdown to go along with strong efforts from both Michigan sophomore running back Jordan Marshall and junior running back Justice Haynes. 

USC will return to action Oct. 18 for a matchup against No. 16 Notre Dame (4-2) in South Bend, Indiana, with a chance to earn another ranked win and build a real case for their CFP debut.