Michigan vs. USC: Sherrone Moore & Co. Find New Way To Rub Salt in Lincoln Riley’s Wounds, Hours After Beating Trojans

What a Week 4! and as expected, the Michigan vs. USC matchup didn’t disappoint. Michigan gave USC a true Big Ten welcome with one of the most thrilling games of the season. In a game that resembled a heavyweight bout, the Wolverines, ranked 18th, beat number 11, the Trojans, 27-24. While both the teams constantly attacked and defended, it was the Wolverines that prevailed when it mattered the most in the dying minutes of the game.

The Wolverines defeated the Trojans, which, in addition to the bragging rights, helped to provide the wake-up call to Lincoln Riley’s squad. The Wolverines, especially with Sherrone Moore at the helm, take every chance to bounce on USC’s misery, which begins with a sarcastic social media post imitating a “sack” on Miller Moss, something that felt like kicking an already wounded cougar.

Michigan’s players certainly didn’t attempt to hide the fact that they loved going out on the pitch to celebrate the victory they rightfully earned.

Kalel Mullings was the show stealer. In the final 37 seconds of the game, on the fourth and goal, he ran straight to the end zone to ensure victory for the Wolverines. “It’s not five guys, it’s seven with the tight ends out there,” Mullings said, remembering the physicality of their performances. It was just a traditional Big Ten game as far as the eyes could see.

The Wolverines scored the first 14 points of the game, giving an illusion of the dominant Michigan offense. But they didn’t have it easy. They both committed two turnovers and let the Trojans back into the game as USC pulled ahead in the fourth quarter, leading the score at 24-20. Talk about a rollercoaster! Lincoln Riley’s team tried to make it exciting again but failed to close the game. If there was ever any doubt as to Michigan’s true character and resolve, it came shining through in the end, as the team made it to 26 consecutive Big Ten wins.

The rivalry between these two teams only served to up the ante even more. The two hadn’t played during the regular season since 1958, and this match felt full of it. That fight was not about the game at all; it was all about pride and tradition. USC’s final play failed to materialize when Miller Moss threw a fourth-down pass, but WR Ja’Kobi Lane failed to secure the first down by one yard. “I think it was just a classic, back-and-forth fight,” Riley said, but the Trojans head to the locker room with more questions than answers.

Michigan’s resilience shines as USC faces tough questions.

The victory was a masterclass in resilience, a shining example of the “never say die” attitude. Despite facing adversity and squandering a large lead, Michigan dug deep and pulled off an impressive win. Kalel Mullings led the charge with 159 yards—his best single-game performance yet—and set the tone with a brilliant 53-yard touchdown run. “Teams are going to stack the box and stop the run, and we still have to run the ball,” Mullings said. And run they did, especially when it mattered most, executing with surgical precision in the crunch.

On the defensive side, USC, with new defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn, tried to hold their own, but the Wolverines’ relentless ground attack was too much to handle. The Trojans fought hard, standing their ground for most of the game, but key plays inside the goal line slipped away from them when they needed it most. Head coach Lincoln Riley summed up their frustration perfectly: “We came up one play short.” It’s the kind of gut-wrenching loss that keeps coaches up at night.

USC quarterback Moss had his moments, throwing for three touchdowns, but his costly interception—returned for a touchdown by Michigan’s Will Johnson—proved to be the turning point. Injuries compounded USC’s woes, with key players like Makai Lemon and Lake McRee forced out of the game, leaving Moss to battle with limited options. Post-game, Moss shouldered the blame, saying, “I feel like I cost our team in a big way.” The loss puts USC in a precarious position as they prepare for a tough matchup against Wisconsin next week.

For Michigan, the sky’s the limit. They’re riding high after this win, ready to take on Minnesota next with newfound confidence. “Our players never flinched, and that’s what you’re proud of,” said coach Sherrone Moore, who is quickly cementing his legacy this season. The Wolverines are storming through the Big Ten, hungry for more, with their eyes firmly on the prize.

This game wasn’t just a victory—it was a statement. Michigan isn’t here to play nice; they’re here to conquer. Meanwhile, USC is left licking its wounds, needing to regroup and find its footing before the season slips away. There’s still football left to play, but for now, the Wolverines are in the driver’s seat, and they’re not looking back.