Michigan Wins Despite Nonexistent Passing Game

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The No. 18 Michigan Wolverines (3-1, 1-1 Big Ten Conference) welcomed the No. 11 USC Trojans (2-1, 0-1 Big Ten) to Ann Arbor for a Week 4 top 25 matchup. The Wolverines didn’t get off to the start they wanted this season and have struggled on offense in their first three games. USC headed into the game filled with confidence after two impressive wins to start the season. But as the game finished, Michigan welcomed USC to the Big Ten by beating them 27-24. Michigan won the game despite having a nonexistent passing game.

Quarterback Davis Warren was the starter for the first three games, but after a 3-interception outing last week, head coach Sherrone Moore made the switch to preseason favorite Alex Orji. USC quarterback Miller Moss on the other hand looked to be just the next great quarterback under Lincoln Riley. Michigan's defense did everything it could to slow down the USC offense while receiving very little support from the Michigan offense.

Michigan's defense finally looked like the defense many thought they would be to start the year. The passing game again looked underwhelming and if it weren’t for the running game, they would have had no offense.

Orji Might Not Be the Answer

Orji played in big moments during his time at Michigan, but it had more to do with his running ability than arm talent. Since arriving at Michigan in 2022, Orji has thrown a combined 7 passes and completed 4 of them. Now he has been given the exception to find a way to fix an offense that has found no rhythm and ability to move the ball.

Teams having to account for Orji's ability to run look to have at least helped open the run game up a little. When it came to running the ball Orji looked just like you would have expected as he started using his legs to extend plays. Orji carried the ball 13 times for 43 yards with two big fourth-down conversions.

Unfortunately, Orji didn’t prove he could throw the ball at all. On the day Orji would finish 7-of-12 for 32 yards. Michigan used dink-and-dunk passes to try and help Orji find some kind of rhythm, but it was to no avail. Michigan used their power running game in the first half to find success and maintain drives. But USC's defensive adjustments and a lack of a passing game caused the Michigan offense to almost become nonexistent in the second half. Orji's inability to throw the ball accurately downfield leaves Moore to ponder if maybe he is not the answer as well.

Michigan got the win, and in the end, it’s the only thing that accounts. But if Michigan is going to compete for there fourth straight B1G championship, they have to find a way to manufacture some kind of throwing game.  It's not sustainable to win games by putting up 32 passing yards. And you can't count on 290 running yards every game. Michigan, even in the win, is left to find the answer on offense if they hope to accomplish any of their goals.