The Michigan Wolverines have not only defeated the #11 USC Trojans, but also set a new total for lowest passing yards in a game since 1996.
The Wolverines needed just 32 yards passing to beat the Trojans as a combination of defense and running the ball won the game. Quarterback Alex Orji was named the starter after former walk-on Davis Warren threw three interceptions last game.
Michigan’s 32 pass yards is their fewest in a game since at least 1996 😳 pic.twitter.com/bjsZmPzpAe
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) September 21, 2024
Orji came in to replace Warren during the game but only had four passing attempts heading into this game. The big question surrounding the Wolverines’ game against the Trojans was whether or not Michigan would allow Orji to throw the ball. The answer was simple as the Wolverines continued to run the ball through the Trojans’ defense.
The true arm talent behind the Michigan Wolverines quarterback is largely unknown as Orji has not aired the ball out at the collegiate level. However, at the high school level, the quarterback was known for having a strong, yet inaccurate arm on the field.
Michigan has struggled with interceptions early on as Warren threw six interceptions without playing the entirety of the first three games. The Wolverines needed to play better football, and the way the staff chose to do so was to eliminate offensive turnovers.
Orji was previously the rushing quarterback and would come onto the field for select sets to run the ball for the offense. However, against savvy teams like Texas, the defense saw right through why the quarterback was on the field.
The Wolverines made plenty of changes against USC that led to the win, and they started with the quarterback position.
Michigan Wolverines QB Alex Orji Runs Offense to an Instant Classic Victory Over USC
The Michigan Wolverines struggled to fully run the ball in their first three games of the season on offense. However, things certainly changed along the offensive line as the offense picked up 290 yards on the ground against the Trojans.
Michigan just won a ranked matchup passing like this pic.twitter.com/O3Bdhg97zi
— College Football Report (@CFBRep) September 21, 2024
The Michigan Wolverines offense was led by running backs Donovan Edwards and Kalel Mullings as the duo combined for over 200 yards rushing and three touchdowns. Mullings had 159 yards rushing and two touchdowns, including a massive rush that put the Wolverines into position to win the game.
Orji provided a boost picking up 43 yards rushing and running the option offense perfectly for Michigan. The quarterback may not have excelled through the air, but made the passes he needed to to move the Wolverines forward. Orji was also without top receiving target Colston Loveland, who was ruled out of the game against the Trojans just hours before kickoff.
Loveland has been not only the top receiving target but arguably the most talented receiver on the team.
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