Night enveloped Ann Arbor, and the atmosphere was electric as Michigan prepared to face USC in a showdown that would set the tone for the season. Fans in maize and blue packed the iconic Big House, eagerly anticipating the clash of two Big Ten giants. Both Michigan and USC had something to prove, and this game promised to offer a glimpse into their potential. What no one expected, though, was how this game would ignite a conversation that could last the entire season.

The Wolverines came out victorious, defeating USC 27-24, but the win was more than just a number on the scoreboard. It signaled the return of something Michigan fans have long waited for their “smash” mentality. This was not just a regular victory; it was a statement. As an analyst on Big Ten Ted exclaimed, “Smash is back!” He went on to explain, “Now, did it go anywhere? Maybe just for a little bit, but man, when we talk about the smash that Michigan wants to play with, it all starts up front.”

The Wolverines’ head coach, Sherrone Moore, who once played offensive line himself, has been instrumental in reviving this physical style of play. The analyst emphasized Moore’s impact, stating, “Sherrone Moore is a former offensive lineman. That is his bread and butter. This was the best performance of the year by the Michigan offensive line.” It was clear from the start of the game that the Wolverines were out to dominate in the trenches, and they succeeded in doing so.

Michigan’s rushing attack was relentless. They piled up 290 rushing yards against USC, a staggering total that underscored their dominance on the ground. Kalel Mullings led the charge with 159 yards and two touchdowns, showing that he could be the go-to guy for the Wolverines moving forward. His performance was just the latest example of how Michigan’s run game has become a focal point of their offense.

The offensive line was pivotal to this success, consistently winning battles at the line of scrimmage. As the analyst noted, “What Michigan was able to do with their smash mentality, specifically up front, was significant.” The Wolverines turned what could have been a grind into a showcase of power football, one that fans will remember.

A smash mentality and explosive plays

This win over USC was more than just another game for Michigan. It marked a turning point for the team. The analyst summed it up well when he said, “This is as good of a rushing attack that USC will probably face all season long.” For Sherrone Moore, this wasn’t just about talent; it was about instilling a mindset of toughness, resilience, and the determination to win by overpowering opponents.

Michigan’s smash mentality is back, and it’s here to stay. Fans should be excited about what’s to come. With a strong offensive line and a dynamic rushing attack, the Wolverines are poised to make a run for the rest of the season.

The combination of the Wolverines’ offensive line and running game came together to form a perfect storm and, this is just the beginning. For Moore, Michigan is not about only talent; rather it is about developing the mental attitude of toughness and resilience. When they beat USC, this is not just another win; this is a statement. As the analyst stated, “This is as good of a rushing attack that USC will probably face all season long.” The smash mentality is back, and this time it is not going anywhere. Michigan fans should be excited. This is a team that knows how to win, and they are coming back for the rest of the season with that attitude.

However, when we look to the next games of Michigan, there is a lot of reason to be excited about them. For starters, they kicked off the season with an impressive victory against Fresno State (30-10), then proceeded to get beaten by Texas (31-12). But they later on some headway against Arkansas State (28-18) and finished it with the win against USC (27-24). With wins over Fresno State and Arkansas State to start the season, they are on course. The way they came back against USC, this is a turning point.

If you want some insights on college football, do watch this ES Think Tank podcast episode with Doug Sanders.