The USC Trojans could be a top-10 team right now. If they had beaten Michigan, they would be. Instead, they dropped four spots in the coaches poll.

Since opening the season ranked No. 9 in the Associated Press' Top 25 poll, Michigan had dropped for three consecutive weeks following unimpressive victories over Fresno State and Arkansas State, and a 31-12 loss to Texas.

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.