"It felt, at the time, like a big-time gut check for the new Big Ten team on the block. USC left Ann Arbor, Mich., last season battered and bruised, its narrow September loss to Michigan having laid bare one of the program's most pressing concerns upon joining the Big Ten. In a physical, old-fashioned Big Ten battle, Michigan simply looked bigger and stronger at the line of scrimmage, while the Trojans looked largely overwhelmed."
"But a year later, after an offseason focused on fortifying the Trojans' fronts, Riley is feeling more confident ahead of Michigan's return trip to the Coliseum on Saturday. (Jessie Alcheh / Associated Press) "I think we're in a much different place on the line than we were at this time last year, with some of our depth and the improvements we've made," Riley said. "We've got a really good group. They've got a really good group.""
"The two teams clash at a critical juncture in each of their seasons. USC is returning from its bye week with a bitter taste still in its mouth from a loss to Illinois. Michigan, meanwhile, has won three straight and, with a win over USC, could enter the College Football Playoff conversation. Both sides understand that Saturday's matchup may come down to whichever team blinks first in the trenches."
USC's narrow loss at Michigan last season exposed weaknesses along the line of scrimmage when Michigan outmuscled the Trojans. An offseason emphasis on fortifying both fronts added depth and prompted increased confidence from coach Lincoln Riley heading into the rematch at the Coliseum. USC returns from a bye week still smarting from a loss to Illinois and will manage a few injuries while preparing specifically to slow Michigan's ground game. Michigan has won three straight and can strengthen its College Football Playoff case with a victory. Both teams expect toughness in the trenches to determine the outcome.
Read at Los Angeles Times
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