3 reasons why Lincoln Riley's USC Trojans lost to the Michigan Wolverines in Week 4

The No. 12-ranked Michigan Wolverines improved to 3-1 in the 2024 college football season while welcoming the No. 13-ranked USC Trojans to the Big Ten with a 27-24 victory in a thriller that came down to the wire on Saturday. The game was the second Top 25 matchup of the season for both teams, and each has three teams that are currently ranked on their remaining schedules.

Michigan improved six spots in the rankings on Sunday to No. 12 and improved to 3-1 while welcoming the then-No. 11 USC Trojans to the Big Ten.

Three reasons why the Michigan Wolverines beat the USC Trojans

#1: They continued to lean on the running game

The Michigan Wolverines struggled to move the ball over their first two games, failing to accumulate 300 yards of total offense in either matchup. They had a balanced offense between the running and passing game over those weeks. Their game plan changed in Week 3 as they began to lean heavily on the running game, which accounted for 301 rushing yards and 435 total yards.

After announcing that Alex Orji would get the start in Week 4, it was clear Michigan would look to lean on its running game once again. Despite likely spending much of the week preparing for the run, there was nothing the USC Trojans could do to stop the ground attack. The Wolverines ran for 290 yards and three touchdowns on 46 carries. They attempted just 12 passes, gaining 32 yards through the air.

#2: They got after the quarterback

The Wolverines are beginning to establish an identity of running the football well and playing strong defense. The formula worked against the USC Trojans as they were able to get after the quarterback. The defense accounted for four sacks as Josaiah Stewart finished with two and Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant each had one.

#3: Will Johnson continues to come up big

Will Johnson entered the 2024 college football season as a potential top 10 pick in the 2024 NFL draft. The All-American cornerback has lived up to the hype through the early portion of the season. He snagged his second interception of the year in Week 4 and returned it 42 yards for a pivotal touchdown.

It marked the second pick-six for Johnson this season and the first interception thrown by USC Trojans quarterback Miller Moss this year. He added a solo tackle and a pass defended. As a unit, the Wolverines recorded eight passes defended on the day.