DraftKings · as of July 8, 2026
USC defeated Michigan 31–13 to secure a comfortable win. USC covered by 15.0; Game went Under by 14.5. The market closed at USC -3.0 and the Blue Chip model made it USC -10.4 - a gap of 7.5 points toward USC, of which 6.0 points were beyond the model's measured factors. That was an information gap - the market pricing something the model does not carry - rather than a measured edge.
Michigan's offense managed only 13 points, with Bryce Underwood throwing for 207 yards and two touchdowns, but the team scored just once on its first six full drives into the fourth quarter. Two red-zone turnovers (a fumble and an interception) prevented them from closing the gap, highlighting a lack of efficiency in critical situations.
Star running back Justice Haynes missed the second half due to injury, forcing Jordan Marshall into a larger role. Marshall acknowledged the offense's inability to sustain drives, putting pressure on the defense and limiting time of possession.
Despite entering as the nation's seventh-ranked run defense, Michigan allowed 224 rushing yards, including long runs by USC's third-string walk-on King Miller. The defense did force two red-zone takeaways, but overall couldn't contain USC's ground game, which was a key factor in the loss.
Coach Sherrone Moore emphasized the need to fix issues in big games, noting the team's fight but also the need to improve execution. The loss ended a three-game winning streak and exposed vulnerabilities that need addressing, especially with a tough schedule ahead.
Michigan will look to rebound at home against Washington next Saturday. The Wolverines must address offensive consistency, red-zone efficiency, and run defense to avoid a second consecutive loss.
With top three tailbacks injured, walk-on King Miller rushed for 158 yards and a touchdown, including runs of 49 and 47 yards, showcasing USC's depth and resilience.
Bishop Fitzgerald intercepted two passes, including a red-zone pick, and the defense held Michigan to 13 points, proving effective against a ranked opponent.
Despite missing two starting offensive linemen, USC rushed for 224 yards against the nation's seventh-ranked run defense, demonstrating physical dominance.
The win over No. 15 Michigan is USC's most impressive since 2022, likely returning them to the AP Top 25 and building serious momentum for the season.
USC travels to South Bend to face Notre Dame, needing to maintain physical play and defensive intensity against a tough opponent in a hostile environment.
At kickoff, conditions at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum were Clear, 66°F with winds of 5 mph. Weather is not expected to be a meaningful factor in this game. Historical weather data for this game is preserved in the panel alongside. Weather data is sourced from WeatherAPI.com.
Clear
66°F
| Measure | MichiganAway | USCHome |
|---|---|---|
| This week | 1,951 miles | 0 miles |
| Last week | Home game | Bye week |
| Season total | 5,076 miles | 6,959 miles |
| Body clock | 19:30 | 16:30 |
| Rest | 7 days | 14 days |
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