2007-01-04 03:31:58 · 14 answers · asked by smitha61 2 in Sports ➔ Football (American)
USC is a better team this year.
The reason why is due to Michigan's offensive line. The Michigan offensive line wasn't blocking the lanes like they should. And by allowing the USC defensive lineman to reach the Michigan quarterback too quickly, they pretty much eliminated Michigan's passing game. So Michigan had to go to their normal run and pound it through routine. But USC knew Michigan would do that and was ready for it and stopped their run dead cold for the most part.
Michigan's defense was pretty good. The thing that killed the game for Michigan though was their offensive line. Even Carr said it when referring to how bad the offensive line was doing, "It's simple. They just need to block the lanes."
2007-01-04 03:43:32 · answer #1 · answered by devilishblueyes 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There were multiple factors involved here. I think for the most part, Michigan didn't fall apart. You can argue that Lloyd Carr fell apart, but really he coached like he always does, conservative and predictable. The real problem was three-fold:
USC was a better team. USC has had more 5 star recruits over the past 3-4 years than any other team in the nation. If anything, USC underachieved all year. They have more future NFL prospects on their roster than any other school, but they are young and the players are still developing and learning. That is why they are considered the top choice for preseason #1 next year.
Michigan got outcoached. Pete Carroll came in with a better game plan than Lloyd Carr. USC knew it needed to apply pressure to Henne to get him out of rhythm and get him to make mistakes. They blitzed a lot and did a good job of disguising them and confusing Michigan's offensive line.
Lastly, Michigan has had one weakness all year, their secondary. It was the same reason Ohio State beat them. Michigan shut down the USC running game but could not stop their receivers. In fact, USC stopped running completely after half-time. They knew they needed to pass only and it was that adjustment that changed it from a 3-3 tie at the half to what it ended up at the final. Carr didn't make similar adjustments and consequently paid the price.
2007-01-04 13:28:47 · answer #2 · answered by I need answers 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It wasn't so much that they fell apart, but that USC was that much better. The Wolverines were great this year, but a lot of people remember only the Ohio State game, where these kids played the game of their lives, and almost took down #1on the road. (It's not a slam on them to say they played over their heads that day...unless #1 is a total fraud, you've got to play over your head to win at their place.).
The Trojans, on the other hand, were pretty much considered invincible in the Pac-10. When they lost to Oregon State and UCLA, I think they were perceived as being somewhat overrated. The reality is that Corvallis is a tough place to win, no matter how good a team is (playing Oregon State on the road has been the ruination of many Pac-10 title hopes), and the USC-UCLA rivalry has probably produced more upsets that any similar series. Plus, they suffered because they were constantly being compared to the '05 Trojans.
The total effect of all this was that this game was viewed as more evenly matched that it really was. From the sound of your question, I'm guessing you are a U of M supporter, so I know this isn't the answer you were looking for...the Wolverines were still great this year, but they got torpedoed by a better team that has sort of fallen off the radar because they stubbed their toes a couple times along the way.
I'm a big Pitt fan.....I'll take the ending to your season over the ending to our season any day...wanna trade? Thought not.....Happy New Year, and Fire Millen.
2007-01-04 11:56:51 · answer #3 · answered by Yinzer Power 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Michigan was 7-5 last year and played a very weak schedule this year. I think that Carr really had them pumped for OSU and they played way over their heads in that game. The Rose Bowl performance is just what would be a typical game for them against a superior opponent.
2007-01-04 14:24:38 · answer #4 · answered by turkey 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
university of Michigan chocked in the Rose Bowl because the Trojans were well prepaired because of their awesome coach Pete Carrol who has been here many times and USC was out for revenge from last years meltdown
2007-01-04 12:00:16 · answer #5 · answered by princedru1 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it was just a hangover from the Ohio State game,you think they actually care about USC?they only ever face those bastards in the Rose Bowl.....so what if Michigan lost they are still the best!
HAIL TO THE VICTORS!!!
2007-01-04 11:42:14 · answer #6 · answered by ki_kompton 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
They wanted another shot at OSU....they felt denied by having Florida jump them in the rankings....and it showed in the game. USC wanted that win more than Michigan did.
2007-01-04 11:49:01 · answer #7 · answered by Mikey ~ The Defender of Myrth 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Michigan and ND should play in the Overrated Bowl next year.
2007-01-04 11:36:56 · answer #8 · answered by Aubrey 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I don't think they fell apart. No team is unbeatable. You win some, and you lose some. Just like Notre Dame did. They got their butts beat. That doesn't make them a bad team. Some teams just have your number.
2007-01-04 12:18:16 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because they saw "STARS" L.A, Hollywood, Universal, Disneyland, etc. Their minds were far from football and more on entertainment
2007-01-04 11:41:46 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋