Sherrone Moore praises Michigan offense, Alex Orji with 14-3 lead over USC at half

Rolling into halftime with a 14-3 lead over USC, with the offense looking more like the punishing, diverse rushing attacks of late, Michigan and head coach Sherrone Moore couldn’t help but be content.

Especially so after the offense spent the first three weeks mired in the mud. So after rushing for nearly 200 yards and looking crisp with Alex Orji making his first start at quarterback, Moore shared a positive assessment of the first half with CBS sideline reporter Jenny Dell.

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“The O line’s doing a heck of a job just coming off the football, running backs are running hard, running downhill,” Moore said, “perimeter guys are blocking. Everybody’s in sync in the run game but we’ve gotta make sure we keep it balanced in the passing game, as well.”

Both of Michigan’s touchdowns were scored on long runs, one each by Kalel Mullings and then Donovan Edwards. They have 72 and 65 rushing yards, respectively, at the half and Orji has added 47 yards of his own on seven carries.

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And Michigan’s 199 rushing yards in the first half are the most given up by USC in a first half under Lincoln Riley, according to ESPN Stats and Info.

Orji was still so-so as a passer, with Michigan giving him a few layup completions on swings and screens. But on downfield throws, he still struggled to display much touch and layering. All told, Orji finished the first half 4-of-7 for 21 yards.

“I just want to see him be him. Make the throws he needs to make, don’t force anything and play Michigan football,” Moore said.

Michigan could have a key injury moving ahead

Star Michigan defensive back Will Johnson left Saturday’s game against USC in the fourth quarter and was seen walking up the tunnel on the CBS broadcast. And shortly after, a more concerning update emerged.

Johnson’s family apparently followed him up the tunnel a short while later, according to Dell. The group then apparently turned left prior to the locker room entrance, heading toward the on-site X-ray facilities.

Michigan held a 20-17 lead over the Trojans when Johnson exited.

Johnson had already had an outsized impact on the game, with a pick-six interception in the third quarter to help Michigan get out to a 20-10 lead at the time.

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The Wolverines held on to win, 27-24, scoring a touchdown in the final minute of the game.