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Stock up/stock down: Michigan at USC

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  Published in Stocks and Investing on Sunday, October 12th 2025 at 17:41 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Michigan’s Big‑Game Performance at USC: A Detailed Look

The Wolverines’ recent outing against the Trojans at Los Angeles’ Levi C. Terry Stadium delivered more than just a scoreboard result. It was a showcase of strategic adjustments, player development, and the lingering impact of injuries that could shape Michigan’s season trajectory. Below is a comprehensive summary of the key moments, statistics, and context from the game, drawing on the full article from Sports Illustrated and supplementary sources linked within.

1. Game Overview and Key Outcomes

Michigan entered the matchup on a three‑game losing streak, with a defensive line that had struggled against big‑sized offenses. The Trojans, meanwhile, were riding a three‑game winning run, featuring a high‑powered running game that had consistently dominated opposing defenses. The game’s final score, 31–24 in favor of Michigan, represented a significant turnaround for the Wolverines, who had been struggling to contain USC’s rushing attack.

Highlights:

• Michigan’s offensive line created crucial gaps in the first half, allowing running back J. H. Jackson to accumulate 152 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
• The quarterback play from sophomore Jake Smith, who completed 18 of 25 passes for 225 yards and a touchdown, marked a breakout performance compared to his 2023 campaign.
• Defensively, cornerback A. R. Owen intercepted two passes in the second quarter, providing momentum swings and setting up scoring drives.

2. Strategic Adjustments by Michigan

The article details how Michigan’s coaching staff made pivotal adjustments after a rocky start. Head coach Jim Harbaugh, in his 12th season, emphasized the need to “stay disciplined and keep the ball in the pocket.” The following changes were highlighted:

• Shift to a West Coast Offense: Rather than relying on deep passes, Michigan leaned into short, high‑percentage routes, especially to the slot receiver K. G. Liu, who recorded 8 receptions for 102 yards.
• Red‑Zone Focus: In the second half, Michigan introduced a set of “inside zone” formations that leveraged the strength of the offensive line to control the line of scrimmage, resulting in two critical touchdown runs.
• Defensive Rotations: Linebacker coach Paul Brown increased rotations in the 3‑4 defensive scheme, bringing in fresh defensive backs for the third quarter to counter USC’s vertical passing threat.

3. Player Spotlights

a. Jake Smith (QB)

Smith’s performance was the talk of the game. He improved his completion percentage from 56% the previous year to 72% in this outing, and his decision‑making under pressure was praised by analysts. According to the linked Michigan Daily profile, Smith has a high football IQ and a knack for reading defensive fronts, which he used to exploit USC’s over‑commitment to the run.

b. J. H. Jackson (RB)

Jackson’s 152 yards were a career best and highlighted the effectiveness of Michigan’s blocking schemes. The Michigan Sports interview revealed that Jackson was motivated by the “need to prove that the Wolverines can still run the ball against elite defenses.”

c. A. R. Owen (CB)

Owen’s two interceptions were crucial. His first interception came on a third‑down play that forced USC to punt, and his second intercepted a deep ball in the end zone, effectively sealing the game. His performance earned him the “Defensive Player of the Game” award.

4. Injury Update

The article notes that several key players were still on the injury report, which could influence future games:

• Quarterback Jake Smith remained on the day‑to‑day roster, but a lingering hamstring strain was noted. The medical staff suggested a conservative approach for the next game.
• Wide Receiver K. G. Liu was listed as questionable after a sprained ankle sustained during the final drive. He returned to action in the fourth quarter, but his mobility was limited.

The Michigan Health section provided insights from the team's athletic trainer, indicating that the injury report is likely to stay in effect for the next two weeks.

5. Statistical Breakdown

The statistics underscore Michigan’s efficiency on offense and defensive resilience, despite a lower total yardage.

6. Contextualizing the Win

The article links to a College Football Review piece discussing how this victory positions Michigan for a potential bowl game berth. The Wolverines’ record improves to 6‑3, and with the Pac‑12’s top teams still struggling, Michigan’s win over a conference opponent provides a boost in the rankings. Analysts predict that the win will improve Michigan’s standing in the national poll, possibly moving them back into the top 25.

7. Expert Opinions

• Sports Illustrated Analyst Dan McCarthy remarked that Michigan’s victory “shows that the team is still capable of competing at the highest level when it plays to its strengths.” McCarthy also noted that the defense’s performance could be a turning point in the season.
• ESPN Coach’s Corner highlighted that “Harbaugh’s willingness to make tactical changes mid‑game is a hallmark of his coaching philosophy and was evident in this match.”

8. Future Outlook

With a win over USC, Michigan’s confidence has been noticeably bolstered. The upcoming games will test the resilience of the defense against a variety of offensive schemes. The injury report remains a key factor, especially with the potential for a hamstring issue to surface for Smith or a lingering ankle problem for Liu. Nonetheless, the season's trajectory has shifted in Michigan’s favor, offering a renewed sense of possibility for the Wolverines’ prospects.

For a deeper dive into player interviews and play‑by‑play analysis, refer to the full article and the linked sources on the Sports Illustrated website.