In a game that could define their season, USC delivered a resounding 31-13 upset against No. 15 Michigan, fueled by an improbable 17-0 run, quarterback Jayden Maiava’s two touchdown passes, and a heroic 158-yard, one-touchdown performance from walk-on running back King Miller, who stepped up amidst a flurry of injuries.
The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum bore witness to a pivotal moment in the USC Trojans’ season as they definitively defeated the No. 15 Michigan Wolverines 31-13. This victory, described as a “statement win” by many in the fan community, not only improved USC’s record to 5-1 (3-1 Big Ten) but also showcased the Trojans’ resilience in overcoming early setbacks and significant injuries. For head coach Lincoln Riley, who entered the game with a 3-11 record against ranked opponents, this win was a critical turning point that could redefine the trajectory of the season. The game was a battle of two storied programs, with USC writing a thrilling new chapter in their history.
King Miller’s Unforgettable Emergence
The night truly belonged to King Miller, a redshirt freshman walk-on running back from Calabasas High. After USC’s season-long rushing leader, Waymond Jordan, and fellow top back Eli Sanders were both carted off the field in the first half with apparent injuries, Miller was thrust into the spotlight. With only two carries for 10 yards to his name before the game-altering events, Miller responded with an electrifying performance, rushing for 158 yards on 18 carries, including a crucial 15-yard touchdown in the third quarter.
Miller’s outburst ignited the Trojans, showcasing his ability to slip through holes and gain significant yardage, including a 47-yard gain on the drive immediately following his touchdown. His unexpected heroics in a high-pressure Big Ten matchup have sparked widespread discussion within the fan community, with many now questioning how long it will be before USC offers him a scholarship. This kind of “walk-on makes good” story resonates deeply with the spirit of college football, echoing the narratives of other improbable stars documented by various sports publications.
Adding to the running back saga, Bryan Jackson, originally listed as “out” due to turf toe, entered the game in the fourth quarter after the team received clearance from the Big Ten Conference office amidst the rapid depletion of the backfield. Jackson immediately made an impact with a 29-yard touchdown run, securing USC’s second rushing score of the second half. This flexibility and swift decision-making by Coach Riley and the conference office highlighted the extraordinary circumstances of the game.
Maiava’s Command and Lemon’s Leaps
Despite two red-zone turnovers, quarterback Jayden Maiava exhibited poise and precision, completing 25 of 32 passes for 265 yards and two touchdowns. His performance was crucial in maintaining offensive rhythm and capitalizing on opportunities. Maiava connected with Ja’Kobi Lane on a 2-yard slant for USC’s opening score in the first quarter, reigniting their chemistry after Lane’s limited play due to injury in the previous game against Illinois.
Just before halftime, with 14 seconds remaining and the score tied 7-7, Maiava found wide receiver Makai Lemon for a spectacular 12-yard touchdown. Lemon’s diving catch in traffic, beating out Michigan’s Jayden Sanders in a one-on-one battle, capped a nine-reception, 93-yard performance and gave USC a critical 14-7 lead heading into the locker room. This play was part of a pivotal 17-0 run that began for USC just before the half, shifting the momentum decisively in their favor.
Defensive Dominance and Game-Changing Swings
The Trojans’ defense delivered a much-needed bounce-back performance after allowing season-highs in both passing and rushing yards against Illinois. They held Michigan’s offense to just 316 total yards and were particularly stifling against the run, limiting the Wolverines to a meager 3.5 yards per carry. The star of the defensive effort was safety Bishop Fitzgerald, who recorded a sack and two interceptions.
One of Fitzgerald’s interceptions came in the third quarter against Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood, thwarting a Wolverines’ drive in the USC red zone. This defensive stop quickly turned into a 10-point swing for the Trojans, as Ryon Sayeri capitalized with a massive 54-yard field goal. Sayeri’s kick was his longest of the season and the second-longest of his career and in USC history, further cementing the significance of Fitzgerald’s play. Fitzgerald’s second pick, late in the fourth quarter, effectively sealed the game for USC. His ability to blitz and drift, coupled with solid corner play, allowed the defense to open up the playbook and execute effectively.
Despite USC’s offensive turnovers—including a red-zone fumble by tight end Lake McRee recovered by Jyaire Hill and an interception thrown by Maiava to Zeke Berry—the defense consistently rose to the occasion, encapsulating their resilient night. This defensive resurgence provided a strong foundation for the team’s overall success in a challenging conference matchup.
Michigan’s Battle Against Adversity
The No. 15 Michigan Wolverines (4-2, 2-1 Big Ten) faced their own challenges throughout the game. Starting running back Justice Haynes, the leading rusher in the Big Ten, left the game in the second quarter due to an apparent rib injury after gaining 51 yards. His departure placed additional pressure on freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood, who finished with 207 yards on 15-of-24 passing, throwing two touchdowns but also two interceptions.
Underwood managed to connect with Donaven McCulley for an 8-yard touchdown in the late second quarter, briefly tying the game at 7-7. He later ended Michigan’s scoring drought in the fourth quarter with a 69-yard deep pass to Andrew Marsh, pulling the Wolverines to within 11 points. However, Michigan could not sustain their momentum, giving up Bryan Jackson’s 29-yard touchdown carry on the subsequent possession, which saw USC chew nearly five minutes off the clock with a nine-play, 75-yard drive. This loss marks a stumble for the Wolverines in their quest for dominance within the competitive Big Ten Conference, as noted in the Big Ten Conference official website.
What This Means for the Trojans
This comprehensive victory over a ranked opponent is more than just a notch in the win column; it’s a testament to the character and depth of the USC program, especially given the unexpected heroes and the defensive turnaround. The ability to overcome significant injuries to key players like Waymond Jordan and Eli Sanders, and rally behind a walk-on like King Miller, speaks volumes about the team’s collective resolve. This performance, coupled with a renewed defensive intensity, provides a crucial confidence boost as USC navigates the remainder of their Big Ten schedule.
For Lincoln Riley, this win against a top-15 team is a significant step in establishing his program’s identity and proving its mettle in high-stakes matchups. While detailed coaching statistics often fluctuate, ESPN statistics and other sports analysis confirm the importance of victories against ranked opponents for a coach’s legacy. Fans can look forward to seeing how USC builds on this momentum, with renewed optimism for their championship aspirations.
