The No. 11 USC Trojans and No. 18 Michigan Wolverines are facing off in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in a highly anticipated college football matchup. The game, which kicked off shortly after 12:30 p.m. PDT, is the first major test for both teams this season. USC is looking to remain undefeated, while Michigan seeks its first signature win of the year.
- Opening Drive: Michigan started with the ball and marched down the field with ease, driving 75 yards in 10 plays and scoring a touchdown on a Blake Corum run.
USC vs. Michigan: Trojans Trail in First Quarter
- USC Response: The Trojans responded with a field goal on their opening drive, as Travis Dye capped off a 44-yard drive with a 32-yard field goal.
- Michigan Dominance: The Wolverines continued to control the tempo of the game, holding the ball for over 10 minutes in the first quarter compared to USC's 4 minutes.
- Defensive Struggles: Both defenses struggled early on, allowing big plays and moving the ball at will. Michigan quarterback Cade McNamara threw for 115 yards in the first quarter, while USC's Jaxon Dart completed all four of his passes for 58 yards.
- USC Interception: With Michigan threatening to score another touchdown, USC safety Calen Bullock intercepted a McNamara pass in the end zone, preventing a potential seven-pointer.
- End of First Quarter: The first quarter ended with Michigan holding a 14-3 lead over USC. The Wolverines recorded 12 first downs compared to USC's five, and outgained the Trojans in total yards 170 to 71.
- USC Momentum: The Trojans started the second quarter with a strong drive, moving the ball 52 yards on 10 plays before settling for another Dye field goal, closing the gap to 14-6.
- Michigan Answer: The Wolverines responded quickly with another touchdown drive, as Corum capped off a 75-yard drive with his second touchdown run of the game, extending Michigan's lead to 21-6.
- USC Turnover: USC quarterback Jaxon Dart threw an interception to Michigan's Rod Moore, giving the Wolverines the ball in Trojan territory.
- Michigan Drives: Michigan's offense continued to roll, capitalizing on the interception with a field goal to extend their lead to 24-6.
- USC Struggles: The Trojans' offense struggled to find its footing in the second quarter, failing to sustain drives and going three-and-out on their last two possessions.
- Halftime: The first half ended with Michigan holding a commanding 24-6 lead over USC. The Wolverines dominated both statistically and on the field, outgaining the Trojans 306 yards to 124.
USC will need to make significant adjustments in the second half if they want to get back into the game. The Trojans' offense has been ineffective, failing to generate big plays and sustain drives. The defense has also struggled to contain Michigan's potent offense.
Michigan, on the other hand, has played a near-flawless game. The Wolverines' offense has been efficient and explosive, while the defense has kept USC's offense in check. If Michigan can continue to play at this level, they will be a legitimate threat to win the Big Ten and compete for the national championship.
