When I watched the USC-Illinois game a few weeks ago I said to myself Where are the stars? USC is one the very few schools that can actually say they had and can return to glory days. Put it together with the sun, grass, uniforms, and Rose Bowl (or Coliseum) and they've got it all. Against the Illini Makari Lemon eventually appeared and it/he was a game changer. They didn't win, but USC showed they have gears few others can match.
Why not? USC is also a great private school with almumi and dollars in a huge market. The population of L.A. County (alone) is 9.8 million. The median home price is $900,000.
Right now I am watching a file (replay) on Sunday morning. It started with Southern Cal driving down the field and Michigan is getting pushed around just about everywhere. Every extra hit, attempt at intimidation, and the toughness Michigan promotes are going USC's way. The runners and receivers are dancing. Several Michigan defenders are trying to cling on missed tackles. Oh no, if the defense doesn't keep it in check, what will? Now, or later, Jaishawn Barham and Jyaire Hill among others have looked silly.
USC is big, strong, fast and motivated. The stars and talent go deeper than just the ball carriers.
Do you think Michigan will get it back solely on offense? No way.
Reviewing this game is an easy one. It is a replay of Oklahoma--a beat down, a rout. Michigan is a decent team (we were all fooled by Wisconsin into maybe thinking more), but the top of the Big Ten is something else. While Michigan is usually one of those with the ability to pull it off, now they are more likely to look over-matched or worse against the very good teams.
This is the meat of year two and Moore was the damn offensive coordinator before that. Look at the difference in Riley and Venables (Oklahoma) this year, for instance; they are energetic, motivating, and involved in every play (even calling the plays), not to mention experienced in every facet of the game. Moore looks dour and emotionless in his black smock, isolation and headset. To me, he is phony. He knows Michigan fans don't give a rat's ass about Purdue and Northwestern. He is hiding the stress and the truth; this team is not good and the coordinators are piecing it together. Do something!
You cannot blame it on the time zone, coach class seats or hotel that is only 4-star either.
Michigan made some progress, complementary football progress, until the excellent Justice Haynes went down.
Sorry to have to repeat it, Lincoln Riley is a phenom coach with a pedigree and experience. Sherrone Moore is not that person. Riley blew it up at Oklahoma and then he smartly realized the USC job is something special and a much bigger opportunity.
Moore and his smashed mouth got smashed again. And who would have thunk it, Indiana did it too. When you go around bragging that you're tougher and richer than everyone else your opponents are going to take note and put it right back at you.
I don't know where the depth and talent on USC came from, or how much it costs. Michigan's glory days--a national championship--were far more recent.
Michigan Football Enthusiasm Meter
4/10
They're a middling Big Ten team and Sherrone Moore doesn't have it in him.
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