USC earns massive conference win

For the second time this season, USC won a conference game without ever trailing. Hosting Michigan at the LA Coliseum, USC delivered a commanding 31–13 victory. In truth, the margin could have been even wider, but two red zone turnovers cost them potential points that might have pushed the total to 45. Still, when the Olympic flame was extinguished and the lights dimmed on Saturday night, the Trojans stood tall at 5–1 overall and 2–1 in conference play, keeping their College Football Playoff hopes very much alive.

In true Los Angeles fashion, the Trojans leaned on their established stars while a rising talent made a name for himself. USC set the tone early, as Jayden Maiava connected with Ja’Kobi Lane for a touchdown on the game’s opening drive. That quick 7–0 lead proved crucial, with Michigan forced to play from behind for most of the night. Makai Lemon added another score late in the first half, sending the Trojans into the locker room with a 14–7 advantage. Those two touchdowns highlighted Maiava’s efficient performance, as the poised quarterback orchestrated the offense with confidence and finished with 265 passing yards.

However, it was walk-on running back King Miller who stole the spotlight when the Trojans needed a hero. With Waymond Jordan exiting late in the second half and Eli Sanders also suffering an injury, USC’s backfield depth was suddenly tested. Early reports suggest Sanders will be sidelined for the remainder of the season, while Jordan is expected to miss at least the upcoming matchup against Notre Dame.

That’s the bad news. The good news? King Miller rose to the occasion in spectacular fashion, racking up 172 total yards on 20 touches with 158 of them on the ground. His 15-yard touchdown run in the third quarter gave USC a crucial two-possession lead, but it was his 48-yard gain on a third-and-26 that truly showcased his determination. Miller also added a 51-yard burst, proving that the walk-on has the talent to shine on one of college football’s biggest stages.

Perhaps the most encouraging takeaway from this game was that USC entered the fourth quarter in control of a heavyweight matchup against a top conference opponent and never let go. Despite dealing with injuries and the weight of recent struggles, the Trojans regrouped, played with composure, and closed the game with authority. They left no doubt about who the better team was, and that kind of finish can only serve as a major confidence boost as USC prepares for its second trip to Indiana this season with a highly anticipated showdown with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on tap.