King Miller Steals the Show, USC Trojans Upset No. 15 Michigan Wolverines at Home

The USC Trojans host the Michigan Wolverines in the 12th all-time matchup between these two programs. USC leads the series 6-5 and looks to get back on track after a loss to Illinois in week 5. Kickoff is slated for 4:30 p.m. and will air on NBC.
Sep 6, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA;  USC Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) warms up prior to the game against the Georgia Southern Eagles at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Sep 6, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) warms up prior to the game against the Georgia Southern Eagles at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

The USC Trojans defeated the No. 15 Michigan Wolverines its second loss of the season in a highly anticipated rematch of last year’s thriller in Ann Arbor

With Waymond Jordan and Eli Sanders going down with injuries, redshirt freshman walk-on King Miller stole the show and rushed for 158 yards and one touchdown.

“These are special games that you remember. These are games that provide great opportunities for players, for fans, for everyone. I think you embrace it,” said USC coach Lincoln Riley. 

Fourth Quarter

3:04 - Desman Stephens forces an incompletion on 4th down. Turnover on downs. USC takes over on their own 24-yard line.

4:21 - Bryan Jackson 29-yard rushing touchdown to cap off a 9-play, 75-yard drive. USC leads 31-13.

8:06 - Jayden Maiava to Lake McRee for 20 yards on 3rd and 10.

9:17 - TOUCHDOWN Michigan. Bryce Underwood to Andrew Marsh for a 69-yard touchdown. Michigan trails 24-13 after a failed 2-pt conversion.

10:01 - FIELD GOAL. Ryon Sayeri's 54-yard FIELD GOAL is GOOD. USC leads 24-7.

11:23 - Injury timeout. A Michigan player is down on the field. USC will face a 2nd-and-10 on their own 36-yard line.

Third Quarter

0:43- INTERCEPTION. Bishop Fitzgerald picks off Bryce Underwood.

2:28 - Bryce Underwood to Donaven McCulley for 19 yards, moves the ball into USC territory.

5:00 - INTERCEPTION. Jayden Maiava is picked off by Zeke Berry. Michigan takes over on their own 4-yard line.

7:40 - King Miller runs left for 49 yards and moves the ball into Michigan territory.

10:45 - USC Touchdown. King Miller runs left for a 15-yard touchdown to cap off a 5-play, 52-yard drive. USC leads 21-7.

12:00 - King Miller burst up the middle for a 49-yard gain on 3rd-and-26. Moves into Michigan territory.

12:34 - Michigan punts after going 3-and-out. USC takes over on their own 46-yard line.

Second Quarter

0:14 - TOUCHDOWN USC. Jayden Maiava to Makai Lemon for a 11-yard touchdown to cap off a 9-play, 75-yard drive. USC leads 14-7.

0:18 - Michigan timeout. Wolverines burn their first timeout of the first half. Will face a 1st and 10 on the Michigan 11-yard line.

2:25 - Jayden Maiava to Makai Lemon for 28 yards and move into Michigan territory.

3:09 - TOUCHDOWN Michigan. Bryce Underwood to Donaven McCulley for an 8-yard touchdown to cap off a 14-play, 86-yard drive. Game tied 7-7.

6:50 - Bryce Underwood to Donaven McCulley for 12 yards and moves into USC territory.

7:09 - Injury timeout. USC freshman defensive lineman Floyd Boucard is down on the field.

9:13 - USC punt. After picking up one first down the Trojans were forced to punt. Michigan takes over on the USC 14-yard line.

11:24 - Jayden Maiava connects with Walker Lyons for a gain of 21 yards

11:57 - Michigan sack. Bishop Fitzgerald sacks Bryce Underwood for a loss of 7 and knocks them out of field goal range, USC takes over on their own 10-yard line.

First Quarter

0:20 - Bryce Underwood to Andrew Marsh for 8 yards and moves the ball into USC territory.

3:02 - FUMBLE. Lake McRee fumbles after taking a big hit. Michigan recovers and will take over on their own 8-yard line.

5:53 - Waymond Jordan runs for 13 yards and moves the chains on 4th down.

8:04 - Michigan punt. USC forces a 3-and-out. The Trojans will take over on their own 29-yard line.

8:57 - TOUCHDOWN USC. Jayden Maiava connects with Ja'Kobi Lane for a to cap off an 11-play, 75-yard drive. USC leads 7-0.

12:25 - Jayden Maiava hits Walker Lyons for 21 yards and moves the ball into Michigan territory.

15:00 - USC takes the opening kickoff

Historic Matchup

This is the 12th all-time meeting between these two historic programs with USC leading the series 6-5. It will be the first time the Trojans and Michigan matchup at the Coliseum in 68 years.

“I think it's understanding an opportunity a game like this provides where two of the more iconic brands in college football history get a chance to battle. You get a chance to do it here at the Coliseum.

Preview 

Live Updates USC Trojans Upset Michigan Wolverines College Football Big Ten Jayden Maiava Touchdown Bryce Underwood
Sep 6, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) warms up prior to the game against the Georgia Southern Eagles at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

USC quarterback Jayden Maiava leads a high powered Trojans offense. The redshirt junior signal-caller has been phenomenal this season. 

His 1,587 passing yards are fifth in the country, and the most by a player with five games, the four quarterbacks ahead of him and three after him have all played six games. 

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Maiava ranks first in the country in yards per completion, fourth in passing efficiency and fifth in total offense, all while completing 70-percent of his passes and throwing only one interception. 

His leading target Makai Lemon is seeing his draft stock skyrocket through five games. The junior receiver will provide massive problems for the Michigan secondary. 

Live Updates USC Trojans Upset Michigan Wolverines College Football Big Ten Jayden Maiava Touchdown Bryce Underwood
Sep 20, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans wide receiver Makai Lemon (6) runs for a touchdown against the Michigan State Spartans during the second half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

His running mate Ja’Kobi Lane has battled injuries the last two games but should be healthier heading into this matchup with the Trojans coming off a bye week. He ranks first in the conference in yards per reception and tight end Lake McRee is second.

Waymond Jordan and Eli Sanders have given USC a two-headed monster in the backfield. The Trojans struggled to run the ball in the first half against Michigan last season. Riley would like to get those guys rolling early and establish a balanced attack.

Defensive Struggles

Live Updates USC Trojans Upset Michigan Wolverines College Football Big Ten Jayden Maiava Touchdown Bryce Underwood
Aug 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans defensive tackle Jide Abasiri (97) celebrates after a sack as center judge referee Amanda Sauer watches against the Missouri State Bears in the second half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

You can always expect Riley's offense to have superb athletes on that side of the ball and put up big numbers, but the question will be how does the defense fair, after a lackluster performance against Illinois in week 5.

A defensive front that ranked first in the country in sacks heading into the matchup was nonexistent. USC will need that group to step up and make life difficult for five-star freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood.

"You see the physical talent, the ability to move, his arm strength. He's a big kid. He's doing a good job. Talented guy that we're going to have to corral, and we need to put some pressure on."

Live Updates USC Trojans Upset Michigan Wolverines College Football Big Ten Jayden Maiava Touchdown Bryce Underwood
Oct 4, 2025; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback Bryce Underwood (19) passes in the second half against the Wisconsin Badgers at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images | Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Michigan running back Justice Haynes is one of the top tailbacks the Trojans will see on their schedule this season. D'Anton Lynn's squad is going to have slow him down and put the game in Underwood's hands.

The struggles in the secondary have been the biggest talk surrounding the defense. The bye week has allowed them to work on their craft and eliminate some of the major problems.

“We juiced up and we ready to roll," said USC cornerback DeCarlos Nicholson.”

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Kendell Hollowell
KENDELL HOLLOWELL

Kendell Hollowell, a Southern California native has been been covering collegiate athletics since 2020 via radio and digital journalism. His experience includes covering programs such as the USC Trojans, Vanderbilt Commodores and Alabama Crimson Tide. Kendell He also works in TV production for the NFL Network. Prior to working in sports journalism, Kendell was a collegiate athlete on the University of Wyoming and Adams State football team. He is committed to bringing in-depth insight and analysis for USC athletics.

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