The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1526802
OCTOBER 2024 ❱ THE WOLVERINE 11 ❱ INSIDE MICHIGAN ATHLETICS USC Will Give Michigan All It Can Handle By Chris Balas Michigan wasn't competitive in a 31-12 loss to Texas, but the Longhorns appear to have one of the best teams in the country. The Wolverines failed that test, but they can get back on track if they win the next five games … a formidable task. That would mean victories over USC and at Washington, neither of which will come easy. Oregon has struggled early with home wins over Idaho and Boise State, but they'll be better come Nov. 2 when they visit the Big House. The Trojans, though, seem to have already found their stride behind quarterback Miller Moss. The three-year backup has been very good in leading USC to wins over LSU and Utah State, and its offense is explosive. It's the improved defense, though, that we're most worried about. Defen- sive coordinator D'Anton Lynn, a disciple of Michigan DC Wink Martindale, has his athletes on defense playing good, disciplined football. The talent has been there in the past, but he's been the guy to bring it all together and make this a more complete team. USC head man Lincoln Riley is a great offensive coach, and the U-M defense is going to have to play much better than it did against Texas if Michigan is to win. Oregon Is Michigan's Toughest Remaining Home Test By Clayton Sayfie Michigan's 23-game home winning streak has been snapped. While there are plenty of opportunities left, there's also a fear of the Wolverines dropping more inside the largest stadium in the country, with USC (Sept. 21), Minne- sota (Sept. 28), Michigan State (Oct. 26), Oregon (Nov. 2) and Northwestern (Nov. 23) all set to make visits. Oregon will be the tough- est test, followed closely be- hind by USC. The Ducks have started the season slowly, nar- rowly escaping against Idaho (24-14) and Boise State (37- 34). They needed two special teams touchdowns in the second half to win the latter game! But it's early in the season, and the Ducks will hit their stride by Nov. 2. They still have the best quarter- back in the Big Ten in Oklahoma transfer Dillon Gabriel, weapons around him and a talented defense. While USC has been impressive in the early going, beating LSU 27-20 and Utah State 48-0, the jury is still out on the Trojans. LSU was in a dogfight with FCS opponent Nicholls, winning 44-21 after being up by 3 points at halftime, one week after hanging with USC on a neutral field. We're just not sure the USC-LSU game told us enough to change our mind that Oregon will be U-M's toughest test at home the rest of the way. ❱ POINT ❙ COUNTERPOINT ❰ WHICH REMAINING HOME GAME IS MICHIGAN'S TOUGHEST? Two versions available! TWO EASY WAYS TO ORDER: CALL: 800-421-7751 10:00-4:00 ET, Mon.-Fri. Or call 919-688-0218 if outside the continental U.S. Mailing a check? Please call for details. ONLINE: www.TheWolverineOnDemand.com Order 24 hours a day from our online store! Written by the staff of The Wolverine, this commemorative edition celebrates Michigan's remarkable 2023 season and its 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship run. Limited Edition. While supplies last! MAKES A GREAT GIFT! Sales tax added where applicable Soft-cover magazine: $14.95 plus $5 S&H Hardback book: $29.95 plus $6 S&H TWO VERSIONS AVAILABLE!