USC Football Hosts No. 15 Michigan In Blue Blood Battle At L.A. Memorial Coliseum

ROSE BOWL WORTHY MATCHUP

*The USC Trojans host the No. 15 Michigan Wolverines on Saturday, Oct. 11 at 4:30 p.m. PT in a matchup of conventional blue blood powerhouses.

*USC and Michigan have solely performed 11 occasions (USC is 6-5), together with simply three in a non-bowl assembly.

*This would be the groups’ first assembly on the Coliseum in 68 years (the final time the Wolverines visited the Coliseum was in 1957).

*USC is the one program to play each Ohio State and Michigan 5 or extra occasions and have successful information versus each.

*USC has gained 11 nationwide championships, whereas Michigan claims 12.

*USC has 8 Heisman Trophies (probably the most in faculty soccer), whereas Michigan has 3.

*USC has appeared in an unprecedented 33 Rose Bowls the place it has a 25-8 mark (.758) (not together with 1 look and 1 loss later vacated on account of NCAA penalty; authentic file: 34 Rose Bowls, 25-9, .735). That is just not solely probably the most Rose Bowl wins of any group, but in addition probably the most wins by a college in a single bowl. Michigan has been within the Rose Bowl 20 occasions and is 8-12.

*The Trojans declare 177 All-American first teamers, whereas the Wolverines have 143.

*USC has 886 all-time wins with a .694 successful share, whereas Michigan boasts 1,016 all-time wins with a .733 successful share. (Not together with USC’s 14 wins and 1 loss vacated on account of NCAA penalty; authentic file: 900, .697)

NOTES FROM CHAMPAIGN

*The No. 21 USC Trojans fell 32-34 at No. 23 Illinois on a walk-off kick in entrance of a crowd of 60,670 at Gies Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Ill.

*The sport marked USC’s first lack of the season.

*The final time USC misplaced on a walk-off discipline objective in regulation was in 2010 in opposition to Stanford (Nate Whitaker 37-yard FG, 35-37 last).

*USC recorded 490 whole yards of offense (126 speeding and 364 passing).

*USC ranks within the Top 10 of the ESPN Football Power Index (No. 10).

*USC ranks No. 2 within the nation and No. 1 within the Big Ten in whole offense (565.0).

*The Trojans are No. 3 within the nation and lead the Big Ten in scoring offense (48.4) and passing offense (338.0).

*USC was taking part in considerably shorthanded with out prime DB Kamari Ramsey and LT Elijah Paige. Additionally, USC’s beginning middle Kilian O’Connor was harm early within the second quarter.

MAIAVA MAGIC

*USC QB Jayden Maiava continues to be probably the most spectacular QB within the nation thriving in head coach Lincoln Riley‘s offense.

*Maiava has been ranked because the No. 1 Power Four quarterback per ESPN.

*Maiava is 98-for-139 (.705) for 1,587 yards and 11 TDs with simply 1 INT. He has additionally rushed for 57 yards whereas scoring one other 4 TDs on the bottom.

*He is one in all six Power Four quarterbacks averaging greater than 300 yards per sport.

*Maiava ranks No. 1 in ESPN’s QBR (93.4), and amongst QBR-qualified quarterbacks, he’s one in all solely two to rank within the prime 20 in each completion charge (70.5%) and yards per completion (16.2).

*Maiava is tied for the FBS lead in completions of 20 or extra yards (25) and leads the FBS in first half passing yards (231.0 passing yards per first half).

*He was named to the 2025 Maxwell Award Watch List as a part of the award’s midseason additions.

*Maiava continues to be properly protected by his offensive line. The line has given up simply 3 sacks all yr.

MAIAVA VERSUS ILLINOIS

*Maiava went 30-of-43 (.698) for 364 yards with 2 TDs and 1 INT.

*His 30 completions have been a single-game career-high.

*It was his first turnover of the season, and Maiava’s first INT in 132 passes, a streak that dated again to final season.

*Maiava remained the Big Ten’s main passer by Week 5.

*Against Illinois per PFF:

*81.4 offense grade (third in B1G)

*75.0% completion share when blitzed (15/20)

*6 Big Time Throws to guide the B1G

*Just 1 turnover worthy move (which resulted in his first INT of the season)

*Led the nation in first downs with 21

*After Week 5, Maiava was ranked No. 1 in ESPN’s whole QBR – 93.4.

MAIAVA METRICS

*Maiava leads the nation in passing yards per completion (16.19) and yards per move try (11.42).

*He is No. 2 within the nation and leads the Big Ten in passing yards per sport (317.4).

*He leads the Big Ten in passing yards (1,587) and whole offense (328.8).

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING ABOUT MAIAVA

*Matt Leinart, USC Heisman Trophy winner and FOX Sports Analyst – “Keep an eye on Jayden Maiava and the Heisman race. It’s early but bookmark this….”

*Robert Griffin III, Heisman Trophy winner and FOX Sports Analyst – “When you have a quarterback like Jayden Maiava who is a dual threat, you always have to pay attention. Don’t go to sleep, otherwise his feet will eat!”

POLYNESIAN TRADITION AND APPLE TV COLLAB

*Including USC QB Jayden Maiava, USC’s first-ever beginning quarterback of Polynesian descent, USC has a wealthy custom of Polynesian gamers which have been integral members of the soccer program.

*USC at present boasts 15 gamers of Polynesian first rate on the roster: OL Micah Banuelos, OL Ratumana Bulabalavu, WR Makai Lemon, QB Jayden Maiava, OL Alani Noa, DT Kobe Pepe, OL Makai Saina, LB Matai Tagoa’i, OL Erwin Taomi, OL Justin Tauanuu, LB AJ Tuitele, TE Taniela Tupou, OL Elijah Vaikona, OL Willi Wascher and WR Zacharyus Williams.

*On Saturday, Aug. 30, Apple TV debuted a promo video collaboration with USC Football for its hit streaming collection Chief of War starring Jason Momoa.

*In the video, centered round USC’s Polynesian heritage, Momoa addresses QB Jayden Maiava and the Trojan soccer group.

LEMON IN THE LIMELIGHT

*Biletnikoff contender USC WR Makai Lemon continues to show why he’s the nation’s greatest receiver.

*After USC’s sport versus Illinois, he led the nation with 589 yards and was third within the nation with 117.8 yards per sport.

*Lemon was the nation’s highest graded receiver from Week 5 per PFF.

*He recorded a 91.5 offensive grade and a 91.1 receiving grade, each first within the nation.

*He led the group with 11 receptions for 151 yards (each single-game profession highs) and a pair of TDs.

*This was Lemon’s second two-TD sport this season.

*He had 3 contested catches (4th in Power Four, 2nd in B1G) and led the nation with 8 first downs.

*He earned placement on PFF’s Week 5 College Football Team of the Week.

*After the bye week, he ranks No. 2 within the nation and No. 1 within the Big Ten in receiving yards (589), allpurpose yards (153.80) and receiving yards per sport (117.8).

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING ABOUT LEMON

*Matt Leinart, USC Heisman Trophy winner and FOX Sports Analyst- “I think Makai Lemon is the best receiver in CFB.”

*Kyle Ford, Former USC Wide Receiver – “Lem is the best receiver in the country…”

*David Cone, Host of Sports Podcast Crain & Company – “Throw the ball anywhere near Makai Lemon and he’ll catch it.”

*Kendell Hollowell, USC Trojans on SI – “Makai Lemon is making himself a lot of money today. There’s not a WR in next year’s draft I would take over Lemon.”

*Kendell Hollowell, Reporter, USC Trojans on SI – “Just put the ball in Makai Lemon’s hands and let him do the rest.”

*Matt Leinart, USC Heisman Trophy winner and FOX Sports Analyst – “Lane and Lemon remind me of some guys I used to play with.”

*Brad Nessler, CBS Sports Analyst – “Makai Lemon after the catch is so dangerous!”

*Robert Griffin III, Heisman Trophy winner and FOX Sports Analyst – “Makai Lemon is a game-breaker. I call him ‘Quick-6’ because he can score from anywhere on the field – inside or out.”

WAYMO — ALL YOU SEE IS TAILLIGHTS

*USC RB Waymond Jordan has turn out to be one of many nation’s most fun faculty soccer backs.

*Jordan recorded 94 speeding yards on 20 makes an attempt and a pair of TDs.

*It was his single-game profession excessive in makes an attempt and his first ever two-TD sport as a Trojan.

*USC is working the ball with authority — 227 yards per sport which is the ninth greatest amongst Power 4 groups.

*Jordan ranks No. 7 within the nation and No. 2 within the Big Ten in speeding yards per sport (107.4).

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING ABOUT WAYMO

*Matt Leinart, USC Heisman Trophy winner and FOX Sports Analyst – “Been hearing great things about Waymond Jordan all offseason. This kid is going to be special this year.”

*Antonio Morales, The Athletic National Writer – “One of the things USC has done consistently well under Lincoln Riley is identify transfer running backs: Waymond Jordan is the latest gem. He just rushed for a 36-yard TD and is up to 132 yards today. Trojans lead 38-13 early in the third.”

*Jeff Dubrof, Sports Anchor KCCI-TV (Des Moines, Iowa) – “Learn the name Waymond Jordan folks. He’s gonna be one of the best running backs in America this year.”

LOOK OUT FOR LANE

*WR Ja’Kobi Lane is one more Biletnikoff contender within the Trojan broad out room.

*Lane, who was coming off harm and battled his means again to the sphere, recorded 4 catches for 39 yards, whereas making an offensive influence all through the sport.

*Lane leads the Big Ten in yards per reception (21.38).

*Notably, proper behind Lane, USC TE Lake McRee is second within the convention in yards per reception (20.67).

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING ABOUT LANE

*Cody Kessler, former USC QB and CFB & NFL Analyst – “Ja’Kobi Lane is a walking highlight reel!! 8 does it again, there’s just no way you can even guard that!!”

*Matt Zenitz, CBS National College Football Senior Reporter – “Stuff like this is why USC staffers have compared Ja’Kobi Lane to players like A.J. Green and Drake London.”

*Jalen McKenzie, former USC and NFL offensive lineman – “Young bull Ja’Kobi Lane upholding USC as WRU.”

*Greg McElroy, Always College Football – “Ja’Kobi Lane is NOT HUMAN”

*Former USC WR and present Atlanta Falcons star Drake London was requested if Lane reminds him of himself. He stated, “No, he’s much more smooth. He makes catches that I don’t see in the NFL that much.”

*Matt Leinart, USC Heisman Trophy winner and FOX Sports Analyst – “Lane and Lemon remind me of some guys I used to play with.”

*Lincoln Riley, USC Head Football Coach – “He wasn’t supposed to play at all (against Illinois), but the kid’s a warrior. He just went. Wasn’t going to be able to play much at all, and he felt a little better than we anticipated, as he hasn’t taken a rep in practice in two weeks. He’s just a warrior – a guy who will lay it on the line for the whole team and the program. We appreciate guys like that.”

D’ANTON’S DEFENSE

*After being the nation’s most improved protection in 2024 underneath USC defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn, the enhancements proceed.

*USC recorded 21 whole sacks in 2024, and thru simply 4 video games, the Trojans have already notched 16.

*USC ranks No. 4 within the nation and No. 1 within the Big Ten in defensive TDs (2)

*The common dimension of the defensive position two-deep is 300 lbs., in comparison with final yr’s 278 lbs.

*USC is No. 7 within the nation and No. 2 within the Big Ten in group sacks (3.40).

*At simply 18-years outdated (and a reclassified freshman who may nonetheless be in highschool), DT Jahkeem Stewart, the 6-5, 290-pound freshman, recovered a fumble and returned it 22 yards to the USC 26-yard line. The Trojans made probably the most of it, marching downfield for a FG by Okay Ryon Sayeri, capping a possible 10-point swing that stored USC within the sport.

*USC LB Eric Gentry recorded 8 tackles and an virtually game-saving pressured fumble which allowed USC to regain possession of the ball and take a 32-31 lead close to the top of the fourth.

*Gentry ranks No. 3 within the nation and No. 2 within the Big Ten in solo tackles (6.0).

*LB Desman Stephens II recorded a single-game profession excessive tackles (9).

*S Christian Pierce tallied a career-high single sport tackles (6) and his first ever profession fumble restoration in pivotal second of the sport.

*CB DeCarlos Nicholson notched his first-ever profession sack.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING ABOUT THE DEFENSIVE LINE

*Robert Griffin III, Heisman Trophy winner and FOX Sports Analyst – “The bodies they have up front – these are the type of players that can help them compete for national championships the next few years.”

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING ABOUT GENTRY

*Robert Griffin III, Heisman Trophy winner and FOX Sports Analyst – “This guy is playing linebacker better than anyone else in the country right now.”

*Devin Jackson, Philadelphia Enquirer Sports Editor – “USC LB Eric Gentry is a versatile weapon on defense, can rush the passer and is physical enough to play inside the box. Has been a consistent force over the last couple of seasons but is playing on another level this season.”

RANKINGS

*USC is just not ranked in both ballot this week. Michigan is No. 15 within the AP Poll and the USA Today Coaches’ Poll.

IN OCTOBER

*USC has a 319-130-19 (.702) all-time file whereas taking part in within the month of October (not together with 5 wins vacated on account of NCAA penalty; revised file: 324-130-19, .705).

TV OUTLETS

*USC has appeared stay on 35 completely different tv broadcasting retailers. The Trojans have gained on the air on all however 3 of these retailers (KTLA, Innovative and a neighborhood Memphis station). USC has appeared on stay nationwide, regional or native telecasts 597 occasions.

USC • MICHIGAN CONNECTIONS

*USC has 3 gamers from the state of Michigan (CB Alex Graham, LB Desman Stephens II and LB Jadyn Walker), whereas Michigan has 8 gamers from the state of California.

*USC Defensive Ends Coach Shaun Nua coached the defensive position at Michigan from 2019–21.

*USC Director of Player Personnel Weston Zernechel is married to Michigan’s Director of Football Operations Erin Zernechel.

*USC CB Alex Graham, Michigan WR Semaj Morgan, Michigan DB Jacob Oden, Michigan QB Bryce Underwood, Michigan DB Elijah Dotson, Michigan DL Rayshaun Benny and Michigan DB Joshua Nichols are all from Detroit, Mich.

*USC DT Jamaal Jarrett and Michigan LB Troy Bowles performed collectively at Georgia in 2024.

*USC WR Zacharyus Williams, USC WR Marcelles Williams, USC P Rey Sanchez and Michigan EDGE Cameron Brandt are all from Carson, Calif.

*USC CB DJ Harvey, USC S Kamari Ramsey, USC WR DJ Jordan, USC S Marquis Gallegos and Michigan EDGE Cameron Brandt all prepped at Sierra Canyon HS.

*USC LB Desman Stephens II and Michigan WR Logan Forbes are each from Clarkston, Mich. and prepped at Clarkston HS.

*USC TE Lake McRee and Michigan OL Blake Frazier are each from Austin, Texas.

*USC QB Sam Huard, USC OL Willi Wascher and Michigan TE Hogan Hansen are all from Bellevue, Wash.

*USC OL Willi Wascher and Michigan TE Hogan Hansen prepped collectively at Bellevue HS.

*USC DE Garrett Pomerantz and Michigan RB Micah Ka’apana each prepped at Bishop Gorman HS.

*USC S Kennedy Urlacher, USC SNP Hank Pepper, Michigan QB Mikey Keene and Michigan Okay Dominic Zvada are all from Chandler, Ariz.

*USC RB Eli Sanders, USC S Kennedy Urlacher, USC SNP Hank Pepper and Michigan QB Mikey Keene all prepped at Chandler HS.

*USC P Sam Johnson, Michigan DB Tevis Metcalf and Michigan DB TJ Metcalf are all from Birmingham, Ala.

*USC WR Romero Ison and Michigan EDGE Derrick Moore are each from Baltimore, Md.

*USC QB Sam Huard and Michigan OL Brady Norton each performed at Cal Poly in 2023.

*USC OL Erwin Taomi and Michigan DL Deyvid Palepale are each from Anchorage, Alaska.

*USC P Sam Johnson and Michigan DL Damon Payne each performed at Alabama in 2021.

*USC DT Kash Amos, Michigan WR I’Marion Stewart and Michigan DL Trey Pierce are all from Chicago, Ill.

*USC LB Ta’Mere Robinson and Michigan LB Cole Sullivan are each from Pittsburgh, Pa.

*USC CB Shawn Sehra and Michigan DL Rayshaun Benny each prepped at Oak Park HS.

*USC CB DeCarlos Nicholson and Michigan Okay Hudson Hollenbeck previously performed at Mississippi State.

*USC SNP Hank Pepper and Michigan DB Jaden Mangham have been teammates at Michigan State from 2022–23.

*USC LB Ryan Quintanar, USC WR DJ Jordan, USC QB Dylan Gebbia and Michigan QB Davis Warren are from Los Angeles, Calif.

*USC Director of Football Analytics Conor McQuiston obtained his bachelor’s diploma in Physics and Mathematical Physics from Michigan in 2021. He additionally labored as an undergraduate analytics supervisor for the Michigan soccer group through the 2021 season.

*USC Director of Recruiting Weston Zernechel was a group supervisor for the Ohio State soccer group from 2011-2014, the identical time that Michigan Offensive Run Game Coordinator/Running Backs Coach Tony Alford was an Assistant Head Coach for Offense/Running Backs Coach for the Buckeyes.

*USC Director of High School Recruiting Relations Aaron Amaama was a member of Tennessee’s recruiting workers from 2022-23, the identical time that Michigan Defensive Run Game Coordinator/Linebackers Coach Brian Jean-Mary was a linebackers coach for the Volunteers.

*Michigan girls’s soccer Head Coach Jennifer Klein served because the affiliate head coach at USC from 2014-17. She was part of USC’s 2016 National Championship group.

*Former longtime USC Band Director Dr. Arthur C. Bartner graduated from Michigan in 1962. He held the function at USC from 1970-2020.

*USC Associate Athletic Director (Operations) / Galen Center General Manager Paul Neidermire labored at Michigan as Director of Event Management from 2011–2017.

*USC girls’s soccer Assistant Coach Megan Hinz performed soccer at Michigan from 2014–17.

MICHIGAN TROJANS

*In USC’s historical past, simply 7 soccer lettermen declare Michigan as their hometown and attended college within the state earlier than coming to Troy: CB Bruce Dyer, 1970-71 (Dearborn Heights, Mich./Riverside); present Trojan CB Alex Graham (Detroit, Mich./Cass Technical); ILB Dennis Johnson, 1977-79 (Flint, Mich./Northwestern); DE Nick Perry, 2009-11 (Detroit, Mich/King); OG-C Bill Redding, 1973-75 (Grosse Ile, Mich./Grosse Ile/Orange Coast College); present Trojan LB Desman Stephens II (Clarkston, Mich./ Clarkston) and present Trojan LB Jadyn Walker (Portage, Mich./Portage Northern).

MICHIGAN SCOUTING REPORT

*No. 20 Michigan defeated Wisconsin 24-10 at dwelling on Saturday (Oct. 3).

*QB Bryce Underwood threw for a career-high 270 yards, finishing 68% of his passes (additionally a profession excessive).

*WR Donaven McCulley recorded 6 receptions for 112-yard efficiency (a career-best) and 1 TD. This was Michigan’s first 100-yard receiving efficiency of the season.

*RB Justice Haynes recorded 117 speeding yards and a pair of TDs on 19 carries.

*This season, Haynes has recorded 85 carries for 654 yards (7.69 yards per carry) and 9 TDs and has recorded 5 consecutive 100-yard video games.

*WR Andrew Marsh contributed a career-best efficiency, ending with 4 catches for 80 yards.

*The Michigan protection held the Badgers to 10 factors and 252 yards general (4.4 yards per play) — the second-lowest offensive output of the yr for Wisconsin and tied for the least quantity of factors they’ve scored.

*The Michigan protection held Wisconsin to 75 speeding yards and a pair of.7 yards per carry after coming into the sport permitting 77.5 yards and a pair of.3 per try.

*Michigan’s speeding protection ranks No. 7 within the nation and No. 3 within the Big Ten (77.0).

*The Wolverines restricted the Badgers to only seven second-half speeding yards and 100 whole yards.

*DB Rod Moore intercepted a move late within the third quarter, marking his seventh profession decide.

*Michigan has pressured at the least one turnover in each sport this season.

*Okay Dominic Zvada went 1-of-2, making a discipline objective from 40 yards out however lacking a 27-yard chip shot. Zvada is now 8-of-11 on the season.