But those wishes are about as valid as USC Trojans ’ the last two seasons of wishing for a defense, or Michigan’s newfound need of an offense. Wishing for it does not simply make it a reality. Santa Claus is still three-plus months away.

The Trojans have looked improved in 2024, but the first real test comes when it travels to Michigan to face Wolverines for their first Big Ten game.

Michigan limps into this contest after getting spanked by Texas in Week 2 with a morose passing game that ranks 128th in Net YPA, 114th in EPA/dropback and 111th in success rate. They will turn to dual-threat QB Alex Orji to jumpstart the offense,