Once USC took its opening drive for a touchdown, Saturday's Big Ten showdown in Los Angeles never felt like a game Michigan football could win.
The Wolverines didn't lead. They were only tied twice, for a few minutes. Once to start the game, and again late in the second quarter after Bryce Underwood connected with Donaven McCulley for the first of two touchdown passes by the freshman QB.
It wasn't enough, though. USC breezed down the field on the next drive. Then, early in the third quarter, after a 3-and-out by Michigan to open the stanza, the Trojans converted a third-and-26, with a run play, like it was nothing.