Lincoln Riley’s walking a tightrope. Ever since jumping on the Trojan train, it’s been rough. He’s constantly getting questions about the defense, an area that has given him sleepless nights right from his time in Oklahoma. But come on, give us a break. Riley is not just some guy in the crosshairs; he is a strategist. It only takes LSU on the first game of the season, through which momentum seems to be shifting in his favor. Skeptics have stated that what continues to make the Trojans formidable is that if only USC were to fix its defense, then the team could contend. This is his chance to confirm their prediction, his opportunity to show them that they are right.

On the flip side, Moore’s got big shoes to fill. Besides, Michigan needs to remain strong on the line now that Jim Harbaugh is out. It’s been an unfortunate beginning of the season for the Wolverines, but they can recover. Still, Moore has not been idle, with the team even opting for a last-gasp change of the quarterback to Alex Orji. It’s gutsy, especially when your job’s on the line. If Orji goes, the Wolverines could well deadlock USC’s new-look defense.

Lincoln Riley, Sherrone Moore, and the battle at the Big House

Finebaum, though, did not shy away from criticizing Michigan, particularly during the week that immediately followed a huge loss to Texas. He categorized the performance as “inexcusable” and said that the Wolverines should perhaps hit the panic button. Finebaum even went as far as to disrespect Harbaugh, hinting that he might have run at the right time. Harsh? Sure. However, their 31-12 home loss to the Longhorns has left their fans wondering if their team can withstand their remaining schedule: USC, Ohio State, and Oregon.

Ahead of the game, Riley wasn’t sugarcoating things. “Anyone that doesn’t think Michigan is a very, very, very good football team is crazy,” he said. Normally one should be wise enough to know this after facing some powerhouses in the industry. Michigan’s defense? Don’t think it’s overstating to say that it’s chock full of NFL players. These Wolverines have players who are fully endowed with serious experience to play college football. But even after stating so, Riley does not look to be retreating at all. He understands the consequences involved—his reputation, his job, and the USC’s season.

The stakes couldn’t be higher

This isn’t just another game. Both programs are steeped in tradition, but now both coaches are under pressure. The summer has already seen Riley being identified as recruiting the next prospects in Georgia and USC’s defense, which has been royally overhauled during the offseason. Michigan, on the other hand, is making fast fixes to hope for Moore to turn around the Wolverine’s worst season start.

This year’s schedule for Michigan is moderate; it actively started the season with Fresno State, 30-10, and has struggled during the visit of Texas, 31-12. Quarterback Warren has been reliable, contributing 204 passing yards against Texas, and the rushing game was a let-out, recording 41 yards. On the other hand, USC is soaring high, and they are 2-0; they even defeated LSU by 27-20. The Trojan QB Moss is running high, having passed for 378 yards in that opener; the same team annihilated Utah State 48-0, and this was testimony of a fearsome defense.