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USC’s Miller Moss-led offense has Michigan’s secondary on guard

Vaseline September 21, 2024

Ann Arbor — There’s a theme among USC’s receivers this season, one that emerged earlier this year and that also involves quarterback Miller Moss. It’s all about selflessness, the group’s rallying cry as the Trojans entered their first season as a Big Ten member.

That’s not an easy approach. After all, everyone wants to get the ball and make the memorable plays — and in the USC offense, there’s ample opportunity for those highlight reels — but the bottom line is winning. On that front, this group has said it’s united.

The 11th-ranked Trojans (2-0) had the weekend off and will play No. 18 Michigan (2-1) on Saturday at Michigan Stadium in their first conference game as a Big Ten member. USC, favored against the Wolverines, pulled off a surprise win in its neutral-site opener against LSU and then defeated Utah State 48-0. The Trojans’ offense, led by Moss, is tied for No. 16 in the nation in total offense (495.5 yards) and is No. 7 in passing offense (336.5 yards).

“I just think they do a really good job of spreading the ball,” Michigan defensive backs coach LaMar Morgan said this week. “I think they have the bigger receivers on the outside, (and) the tight end does a good job. When you get the guys on the outside, him in the middle, (Moss) just does a good job of spreading the ball.

“The quarterback, he kind of waited his turn. I think he’s one of the best quarterbacks in the country, seriously. I think if you watch his video, you see what he does, the placement. He’s on his back foot and he gets hit, and the ball is on the money. Anyone who plays him this year is going to see a quarterback who’s ready for the challenge and is prepared. He’s one of the best players in their offense, without a doubt.”

Moss took over for USC in last season’s bowl game after Caleb Williams, the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner and the top pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, withdrew. In the Holiday Bowl, Moss threw a bowl-record six touchdown passes in his first college start in a 42-28 win over No. 16 Louisville.

For the second time in three weeks, Michigan, the reigning national champion, finds itself as the underdog, and the Wolverines have already lost to then-No. 3 Texas while ranked No. 10. Since that loss, they improved their record to 2-1 with a win over Arkansas State this past weekend, but this game against USC looks set to reveal a lot about this Michigan team and the direction it’s headed this season.

Alex Orji will start at quarterback, looking to breathe some life into a Michigan offense that has struggled in part because of seven turnovers, including six interceptions by Davis Warren, through its first three games. And while Orji’s debut will draw attention, so will Moss in his first Big Ten road game. What kind of test will he and the USC receivers give Michigan? How can Michigan, ranked 90th in passing yards allowed (234.3 yards per game), handle the multiple weapons? Morgan is confident the Wolverines will be ready.

“When you’re at Michigan, the (offensive coordinators) you play with every week are some of the best in the country,” Morgan said. “(USC coach) Lincoln Riley has been doing this for a long time. I know you guys see him on the sideline all the time. He has the shortest call sheet. He can do a lot of variations. I think he’s really good at getting the ball in his playmaker’s hands. He knows that whatever coverage you’re doing, he can see what to do, (and) if you change it, he goes back to it. He makes repeat plays.”

Michigan’s star cornerback, Will Johnson, is well known to opposing offenses. USC receiver Zachariah Branch mentioned him to reporters this week as someone who stood out while watching film.

Johnson has one interception this season, returning it 86 yards for a touchdown in the season opener against Fresno State after experiencing some frustrations in coverage earlier in the game.

“He’s just a perfectionist,” Morgan said of Johnson. “He wants 10 targets, zero catches, three (interceptions) a game. That’s really hard to do, right? So, you know, the Texas game, he didn’t have any targets. The game before that, he had targets. I just think he understands different ways you can impact the game, whether it’s your effort, communication on the sideline, being a leader.”

Jyaire Hill, who has been optioned the last few games, will start opposite Johnson. Hill’s 47 snaps last week against Arkansas State were the most of any Michigan defensive back.

“Anytime at a corner position, you’ve got to get experience, and he’s getting on-the-job training,” Morgan said of Hill. “He’s worked hard to get better every day in practice. Having a guy like Will who’s been a mentor, someone who’s set the standard for that room here over the last few years, and being around him more and more, showing him how to do it. Jyaire has a lot of talent. There’s things he’s going to get better at every week, and I’m excited to see his growth.”

Then there’s Aamir Hall, who played two seasons at Richmond and last season at Albany before transferring to Michigan. He’s showing improvement and could see more playing time against USC, especially if Hill struggles. Morgan said Hall has learned to balance all the demands of playing at Michigan, from academics to acclimating to a new environment and working with a new team.

“If I show you his tips or his reminders on Saturday morning that he gives me, he fills everything in,” Morgan said. “He leaves no stone unturned. You come from a (smaller) program and in the beginning there’s just a lot going on. But once you get settled into the season, I think it gets a lot easier for a guy like that. I’m excited about Aamir. I’m a big fan of the guy.”

Will all this be enough to slow USC down? Only time will tell, but this Big Ten opener will answer a lot of questions about the direction Michigan’s season will take.

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@chengelis