I didn't think it could be done. See way below.
List
Kalel Mullings. It is rare to see one person determine the outcome of the game. Most of us first became familiar with him as a linebacker--good, potential, not a star. Then it was the halfback pass with perfect execution. He became a capable, hard runner. Now, speed is completely singular; plus, Mullings shows power, moves, and smarts. It was a game-winning performance, even when he was Michigan's only option and everyone knew it was coming.
Second, Michigan is a dirty nasty team under Moore. Remember the motto of go to the line and then over it; unspoken but continuing further, as long as you don't get caught. There are many individual, personal examples from the game. The worst is Jayaire Hill celebrating the game-ending, tear-jerking exit of USC's star tight end.
USC was not great in this game and did not come off the buy week ready to play. See above; Michigan/Mullings out-toughed them. Miller Moss was a little wimpy and the Johnson interception was a killer. Michigan's defense was great and USC's offense was terrible for the first quarter and a half.
Four, just before the start, Moore exhorted the offensive line. The offense still isn't diversified but the gameplan worked. The offensive line improved. Both Moore and the O.G. redeemed themselves.
Five and finally, Michigan--the players--showed unbelievable fight.
It is a blog. Opinions are opinions. Never delete or remove. Bad prediction after the jump.
USC will beat Michigan. The reason is Michigan has a crummy head coach.
It is only 3 games in but it feels like an endless loop: It will be a spectacle, but Michigan will look bad. I have learned to avoid, without a lot of research, trying to predict scores or sometimes even wins and losses. But I can predict with certainty Michigan will not come out smelling like roses.
I am trying to predict the top 10 reasons Michigan will once again look like a poorly-coached team that deserves to lose. I don't know the USC Trojans well, except for, they have an excellent quarterback and skilled position (wr) players. Lincoln Riley? Get out of Oklahoma and Sheronne Moore too... Supposedly he is someone unlike Moore who has an original vision or skill, but USC, which has it all, has not been great.
First, Michigan was bad under Davis Warren yet he was given almost three full games; none of the games were pushovers because of... Davis Warren. Some top quarterbacks like Kyle McCord have statistics and ratings that make Michigan look shameful. Both coach and qb were simply not up to the task. Second, it is likely to get worse, the second part of the same key overall problem: Alex Orji is not the answer.
Third, Michigan is a poorly coached team, examples of which are penalties, missed assignments, picked-on players (Jayaire Hill) without support, numerous players with awful PFF ratings, and continuous personal fouls and personal celebrating. Moore and the coaching staff exude no confidence and leadership on the field. There is no synergy or attention to details. Why is Michigan fair-catching a kick-off on the 30 yard line. Moore is not in charge of and in control of every detail and this is not going to change quickly or quickly enough. Maybe he will be a .750-.800 coach someday (that's what it takes at Michigan) but there is no sign of it yet in terms of hiring, recruiting, or team management.
Fourth, USC has a strong passer and receivers. Michigan's defense has gone from top-5 to middle of the pack. The head coach has no clue and the defensive coordinator is not the O.S.--original savior.
Fifth, Michigan has no proven running game. I am so sick of people saying Michigan football is about running and mauling linemen. Michigan doesn't have that and missed assignments and domineering opponents are happening. Who can predict? It is a third into the season. The running backs are good and Orji is an added threat, but there is no evidence the running game can sustain the team against good teams, and USC is ranked #11.
Six, USC is coming off a bye week. Before this week, Moore's biggest strategic victories have been saying nothing. Maybe it reflects his disgust with the flamboyant yet out-of-his-league Warren, Moore announced Monday Orji would start. USC will prepared, not to mention eager to take down the former national champions at home. USC can handle the limelight. What is Michigan going to do, bring in Warren as a passing replacement? And Jack Tuttle must have mothballs.
Seven, the Michigan receiving corps is a weakness and incoming transfers Charleston and Bell have not been answers. Eight, Colston Loveland, all-around threat and player, is injured. It did not look like something that would go away quickly in the last game; Moore said "not as bad as we thought" which is either he'll be back this year or dumb-speak. Usually, in Michigan/college athletics they err on the side of caution--it is likely he will be out or restricted.
Number nine reason why Michigan will lose, this may be repetitive, USC will hit on a few big plays. I don't know too much about them--it'll be fun to see how they do in the Big Ten. USC has some big-time recruits in the recent past; more than Michigan.
Ten. I'll stop. There is one I'd like to repeat, it starts with a M, but I won't.
I just don't see the cockiness, the lack of dedication, in some Michigan coaches and players going away soon. It is not going to improve with another demoralizing showing, and I'm afraid this one will be a loss similar to Texas. That one was never close and Michigan only scored at the end.
10. Let's get the cheaters and the coach who has already been suspended once. It is about the perception. Look at the basketball team, a complete rebuild with promise after a coaching change. Michigan football is not in a good place. This could be humiliating.
Improve, repeat, or get worse after Texas. That will be answered by the telecast and it will provide a clue for the future.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGzlVqQ_zyY
This is Coach Moore's presser following the win against Arkansas State.
He doesn't look like a secure and happy man. He seems to have two personalities, one for the team and another for the press and the college students and graduates; the latter is more subdued and retrospective. And he looks as though he knows he is under the gun.
When Rich Rod was hired it was supposed to be a culture shift and it did not go well. To some or many he was viewed as an outsider--he wasn't a Michigan man--and a hillbilly as well.
I can't help it. Moore looks a little scary. Practice alone won't do it and I have to believe he knows that.
Of course it isn't an easy thing to do, get up there alone in front of all those microphones and cameras, but it says more than anything else. I don't think it is going to get any easier this year, and unless there is a huge influx of talent, next year will be rough too. Michigan will be crushed by Ohio State at the end of the year for sure. Michigan State and perhaps Illinois may be losses too. Depth has not been shown and injuries could mount. It will be a quick 12-game schedule with maybe a bowl game. Once again they will call it continuity.
Sherrone Moore, he just doesn't look very optimistic, upbeat, or encouraging.
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