Back in power with their King

USC turns back the clock to greatness

- BILL PLASCHKE

Photographs by GINA FERAZZI Los Angeles Times MAKAI LEMON makes a touchdown catch between Michigan defenders in a victory that may put USC in the College Football Playoff conversation.

Don't look now, but a Lincoln Riley team just beat the snot out of a Big Ten bruiser.

Don't look now, but a cute USC team just brutally slugged itself onto the path toward the College Football Playoff.

Don't... oh, go ahead and look.

Please, look. These being your traditionally flopping Trojans, you might not recognize them, but look anyway, because this is real, not to mention real fun and real loud.

The roar that swept through downtown Los Angeles on Saturday night did not come from Dodger Stadium, but the Coliseum, a rollicking backdrop for USC's 31-13 victory over 15th-ranked Michigan on a stage full of gritty surprises.

Who are these brawlers? In earning their first signature Big Ten win in the two seasons since they joined the conference, the Trojans shoved and slugged and stole the Wolverines' cheating hearts, outgaining them 489-316, including rushing for 115 more yards.

"Awesome, awesome win," said Riley. "Tough, tough response by our football team.... I thought we attacked it... dominated the football game on all sides... gritty, tough performance." What was that noise? The Coliseum was as raucous as it's been in several years, screaming with John Robinson strength and Pete Carroll power, sounding like the glory days again, and it made a difference.