The Michigan Wolverines were staring down the barrel of what could have been a season-defining loss. Facing off against the USC Trojans in a highly anticipated Week 4 showdown, Michigan knew they had to deliver a performance that would keep their playoff dreams alive. And deliver they did, pulling off a nail-biting victory that has fans and analysts alike rethinking their chances this season.
The game was nothing short of electric from start to finish. USC, with its high-octane offense and a defense that has given plenty of teams trouble, wasn’t just there to play spoiler—they were there to win. But the Wolverines, playing in front of a roaring home crowd, weren’t about to let their season slip away without a fight. They scrapped, they clawed, and in the end, they found a way to win, thanks to a late-game touchdown drive that will be remembered for years to come.
The day after the game, ESPN’s Paul Finebaum, known for his sharp and often critical takes, had something surprising to say about Michigan’s performance. Just weeks ago, Finebaum had essentially written the Wolverines off, doubting their ability to make it to the playoffs after a shaky start to the season. But after watching Michigan’s gutsy win over USC, he had to reassess.
“I don’t want to completely walk back what I said a couple of weeks ago when I ruled Michigan out,” Finebaum admitted on SportsCenter. But now, I see them firmly back in the race. They’ve turned their season around, and their resilience is nothing short of impressive.”
It’s not often that Finebaum, a seasoned analyst with decades of experience, revises his opinion so quickly. But Michigan’s performance against USC wasn’t just about winning a football game—it was about showing the world that they’re still contenders, that they can still go toe-to-toe with some of the best teams in the country. The Wolverines, who had been written off by many, are suddenly back in the playoff conversation, and they have every reason to believe they can keep this momentum going.
One of the biggest storylines coming into the game was the quarterback situation. Head coach Sherrone Moore made the bold decision to bench Davis Warren in favor of Alex Orji, a move that had fans and analysts buzzing. Orji is known more for his legs than his arm, and many wondered if Michigan would be too one-dimensional with him under center. But Moore had a plan, and that plan was to pound the rock and wear down USC’s defense.
Michigan leaned heavily on their ground game, racking up 290 rushing yards while Orji chipped in 43 rushing yards of his own. It wasn’t pretty, and it certainly wasn’t the kind of balanced offense that wins style points, but it was effective. The Wolverines controlled the clock, kept USC’s explosive offense off the field, and ultimately, they found a way to win.
But it wasn’t all good news for Michigan. In the fourth quarter, star defensive back Will Johnson went down with what could be a serious injury. Johnson has been a cornerstone of the Wolverines’ defense, and his loss could be a huge blow as Michigan looks ahead to the rest of the season. Reports from the game indicated that Johnson’s family followed him to the X-ray facilities rather than the locker room—a sign that the injury could be more than just a minor issue.
For now, though, Michigan can take solace in the fact that they’re still in the hunt. Finebaum was quick to point out just how good USC looked, even in defeat, noting that the Trojans are a team that could very well be in the playoff mix themselves.
“It was one of the greatest drives I’ve seen from a team,” Finebaum said, reflecting on Michigan’s game-winning touchdown drive. “Even though Michigan was at home, they were up against a very good football team. What stood out to me was how Southern Cal excels on both sides of the ball. They didn’t come away with the win, but they certainly made a statement that they’re a force to be reckoned with.”
The Wolverines’ path forward won’t be easy. Next up, they face the Minnesota Golden Gophers, a team known for its tough defense. It’s a game that will test Michigan’s newfound identity with Orji at the helm. Can they keep finding success with their ground game? Can their defense hold up if Johnson is out for an extended period? These are questions that will need to be answered in the weeks to come.
But for now, Michigan can celebrate a win that has revitalized their season. They’re back in the playoff hunt, and if they can build on this momentum, there’s no telling how far they can go. For the Wolverines and their fans, the season is far from over.