Lincoln Riley Says USC’s Upset Over No. 15 Michigan Is a ‘Key Step Forward’ for the Program
The USC Trojans pulled off a major upset on Saturday night, defeating the No. 15 Michigan Wolverines 31-13 in front of a packed and energized crowd at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The win improved USC’s record to 5-1 and marked a significant milestone in Lincoln Riley’s tenure as head coach.
“The energy from the crowd was unbelievable — you could feel it throughout the game,” Riley told reporters after the game. “It had a real impact, and I think it affected Michigan, too.”
USC’s depth was tested early when running backs Waymond Jordan and Eli Sanders both exited with injuries. That opened the door for redshirt freshman walk-on King Miller, who stepped up in a big way, rushing 18 times for 158 yards and a touchdown. Miller became the first back this season to surpass 100 rushing yards against Michigan, and the Trojans totaled 224 yards on the ground.
Quarterback Jayden Maiava was efficient and sharp, completing 25 of 32 passes for 265 yards and two touchdowns — one each to standout receivers Ja’Kobi Lane and Makai Lemon. Lemon had a big night with nine catches for 93 yards.
“I’m proud of the way our team responded coming off the bye,” Riley said. “We attacked the week, and we played with grit and toughness. That’s one of the most complete weeks of preparation I’ve seen since I’ve been here.”
First Half Recap
USC came out strong, opening the game with an 11-play scoring drive capped by a two-yard touchdown pass from Maiava to Lane. But momentum briefly shifted after tight end Lake McRee fumbled in the red zone following a hard hit from Michigan’s Jyaire Hill.
Michigan’s offense was slow to get going, but five-star freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood eventually led a 14-play scoring drive late in the second quarter, finding Donaven McCulley for an eight-yard touchdown to even the score.
The Trojans responded quickly in their two-minute offense. Maiava connected with Lemon for a spectacular 12-yard touchdown catch just before halftime, reclaiming the lead at 14-7.
Second Half Recap
USC opened the second half with a bang. Facing 3rd-and-26, a handoff to Miller turned into a stunning 49-yard run. Two plays later, Miller found the end zone again with a 15-yard touchdown run, extending the Trojans’ lead to 21-7.
“That’s just King — he brings that same energy and work ethic every day in practice,” said Riley. “He’s humble, hardworking, and all about the team.”
Michigan tried to mount a comeback after Maiava threw an interception in the red zone, but the Trojans’ defense held firm. Safety Bishop Fitzgerald intercepted Underwood deep in USC territory, halting a promising Wolverines drive.
Kicker Ryon Sayeri added a 54-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter to make it a three-score game, sealing the Trojans’ statement win.
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