Key Matchups In The Rose Bowl Between USC And Michigan
December 30, 2003 | Football
By JOSH DUBOW
AP Football Writer
Here's a look at five of the key matchups in the Rose Bowl between No. 1 Southern California and No. 4 Michigan:
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USC WR Mike Williams vs. Michigan CB Jeremy LeSueur and S Marlin Jackson:
Stopping the Trojans' All-American receiver will be the toughest task for Michigan's defense. Williams doesn't have breakaway speed, but uses his 6-foot-5 frame, basketball skills and strong hands to shield off defenders and make acrobatic catches. LeSueur, the Wolverines' top cover corner, probably will get most chances in man coverage, although Jackson, a former cornerback, will help with double teams. But Michigan can't double team too much or Keary Colbert, Steve Smith and a trio of running backs will do the damage.
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USC OT Jacob Rogers vs. Michigan OLB Pierre Woods:
Woods is Michigan's best pass rusher and will need to disrupt QB Matt Leinart's timing to give the Wolverines' defensive backs a chance. When Leinart has time, he's been able to pick apart defenses with the precision of a surgeon. Woods will often go up against Rogers, an All-American tackle who anchors a line that allowed only 14 sacks all season. Michigan has had some trouble getting to the quarterback with only 28 sacks all year, but Woods had six of them.
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USC CB Will Poole vs. Michigan WR Braylon Edwards:
The Trojans have been susceptible to the pass, allowing 276.7 yards a game, including 485 in the regular season finale against Oregon State. Poole is USC's best cover corner and will often be counted on to shut down Edwards. While he doesn't get the attention of some of the nation's more heralded receivers, Edwards had 75 catches for 1,031 yards and 14 scores this season. He has seven TD catches in his last four games, including a career-long 64-yarder against Ohio State. Edwards is a very physical receiver and will use his size advantage against Poole.
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USC defensive line vs. Michigan RB Chris Perry:
The strength of the Trojans' defense - nicknamed "Wild Bunch II" - will be counted on to control the nation's top running back. Perry ran for 1,589 yards and scored 19 touchdowns to win the Doak Walker Award. The Trojans allowed only 1.9 yards a carry this season. If All-American Kenechi Udeze, Shawn Cody and Co. need help from the safeties to control Perry, that will open up the passing game for QB John Navarre. USC also needs to watch out for Perry on screen passes. He set a school record for running backs with 42 catches.
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USC punter Tom Malone vs. Michigan PR Steve Breaston:
Malone averages 49.2 yards a punt and the Trojans have a 43.5 net average - best in the nation. That will be tested against the dangerous Breaston, who averages 14.1 yards a return and took two back for scores. Malone has pinned the opponent inside the 20 on 25 of his 39 punts and the Wolverines can ill afford to lose the field position battle if they want to keep up with USC's high-powered offense.
