LOS ANGELES – The No. 15-ranked Michigan Wolverines face the USC Trojans in a highly anticipated matchup at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
The game on Saturday (Oct. 11) will be Michigan’s second visit to the historic venue, having won a 16-6 game there in 1957.
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Rushing/passing attack
The Wolverines rank 13th nationally in rushing offense, averaging 237.8 yards per game.
Six different players have scored rushing touchdowns this season, led by Justice Haynes, who ranks fourth in the nation with eight rushing touchdowns.
Michigan’s offensive line has paved the way for 17 rushing touchdowns while allowing only five sacks, ranking 19th nationally.
Despite injuries causing three different starting lineups in the first five games, the unit remains a key offensive strength.
Haynes has rushed for over 100 yards and scored a touchdown in all five games this season, marking the longest streak since Blake Corum’s eight consecutive 100-yard games in 2022.
Haynes leads the Big Ten with 654 rushing yards and ranks third nationally, averaging 130.8 yards per game and 7.69 yards per carry.
He has made several big plays, including multiple runs over 40 and 50 yards, and is tied for third in the Big Ten with 20 missed tackles forced.
His backfield partner Jordan Marshall averages 5.2 yards per carry with three touchdowns, while quarterback Bryce Underwood adds 6.7 yards per carry and three rushing touchdowns.
The passing game is developing with 11 different receivers catching passes this season, including six with five or more receptions.
Underwood has completed 59.2% of his passes for 1,003 yards and three touchdowns.
Defense
Defensively, Michigan ranks seventh nationally in rushing defense, allowing just 77 yards per game and 2.4 yards per carry.
Only Oklahoma and Wisconsin have scored rushing touchdowns against them this year.
The Wolverines’ pass rush averages three sacks per game, tied for fourth in the Big Ten, and the defense ranks 22nd nationally in tackles for loss.
Jaishawn Barham leads the team with three sacks and five tackles for loss.
Michigan’s secondary has seven interceptions this season, ranking 12th nationally, with six players contributing.
Linebacker Ernest Hausmann leads the team with 31 tackles, followed by Jimmy Rolder and Cole Sullivan.
Special teams have been strong, with kick-return defense ranked 24th nationally and kicker Beckham Sunderland generating 20 touchbacks on 31 attempts.
This balanced offensive and defensive performance sets the stage for a competitive game against a potent USC offense that averages 338 passing yards per game.
Matchup
This matchup will test Michigan’s stout defense and explosive rushing attack against a USC offense averaging 338 passing yards per game, ranked third nationally.