ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Certainly, Lincoln Riley thought his introduction to the Big Ten would go much different. But the bruising, physical conference welcomed him and the USC Trojans in by showcasing a complete lack of a passing offense on the other side, along with a ferocious defensive attack.

Michigan football appeared to be going backwards and USC was still reveling in its Week 1 win over a potentially overhyped LSU team. Still, the Wolverines had lost to Texas in Week 2 and the Trojans were flying high coming into Ann Arbor for their first-ever Big Ten game.