In a tightly contested game between USC and Michigan, the Trojans faced a setback when wide receiver Makai Lemon was injured on a punt return after taking a blindside block that didn’t draw a penalty. Lemon stayed on the ground for several minutes before walking off with the support of his teammates. Later, he was taken away by ambulance, and it was confirmed that he would not return, though his injury status remains unclear, per Pete Nakos of On3.
Michigan held a 14-3 halftime lead, relying on their ground game to overpower USC’s defense. The Wolverines’ backfield trio of Donovan Edwards, Kalel Mullings, and Alex Orji combined for 26 carries, 184 yards, and two touchdowns. Despite the absence of their top pass-catcher, tight end Colston Loveland, Michigan imposed their physicality to control the game.
Basically the entirety of USC’s program going over to Makai Lemon after he was down on the field for a few minutes with injury. Helped off field pic.twitter.com/jBM2g7inkP
— Luca Evans (@bylucaevans) September 21, 2024
USC found some offensive rhythm through wide receiver Zachariah Branch, who had four receptions for 85 yards, but struggled overall. The Trojans started with three consecutive three-and-outs and a fourth drive that stalled after four plays. They managed a 29-yard field goal after an eight-play, 64-yard drive late in the first half. A promising late drive also ended scoreless as USC reached Michigan’s 39-yard line before the clock expired.
USC’s rushing game was non-existent, with -16 yards on the ground due to two sacks on Miller Moss and an ineffective performance by running back Woody Marks, who gained only five yards on six carries.
