USC’s five keys to victory over Michigan

Michigan fans cheer for the Wolverines against Texas during the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, September 7, 2024.

Public perception of this USC-Michigan football game has swung wildly, with the Trojans starting out as a double-digit underdog in the summer game lines released months in advance of kickoff. Now USC goes into its inaugural Big Ten conference game as the prohibitive favorite at nearly a touchdown over the Wolverines. Michigan’s culture has prided itself on smashmouth, physical football, and it will not be an easy out. The Trojans come into the game with a clear advantage at the skill positions, and their line play is greatly improved. That said, USC will need to play a clean game and not give Michigan any help as it tries to find a new identity, replacing starting quarterback Davis Warren with Alex Orji. If USC can play disciplined football and keep its composure in front of over 107,000 screaming fans, mostly in Maize and Blue, the Trojans should be victorious. Let’s look at the keys to the game for the Men of Troy.

5. Disciplined special teams

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Matt Zemek said on the Voice of College Football’s Conquest Call-In Show that the Trojans can’t afford to give the Wolverines any “freebies,” and he’s right. Special teams coordinator Ryan Dougherty needs to force Alex Orji and the Michigan offense to drive the ball the length of the field. Short fields on punts and kickoffs could “gift” points to the Wolverines. In a game that might be very close, a missed field goal as we saw against LSU could cost USC the game.

4. Keeping the laundry in the refs’ pockets and off the grass

A referee picks up his flag at New Hartford Senior High School on Friday, September 6, 2024.

The Trojans’ defense can’t afford to help a struggling Michigan offense to extend drives. Likewise, the USC offense can’t shoot…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/uscs-five-keys-victory-over-192817949.html

Author : Trojans Wire

Publish date : 2024-09-20 19:28:17

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