ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Michigan Wolverines head coach Sherrone Moore announced that the team will depart for Los Angeles on Thursday to play its upcoming West Coast game against the USC Trojans, aiming to avoid the slow start they experienced last year against the Washington Huskies on a similar trip.
“Last year, the west coast trip to Washington, we felt like a little groggy, a little slow start,” said Moore. “Guys played well, but felt like it just needed a little time.”
Normal routine
Moore explained the men in maize will maintain a normal Thursday routine, including attending classes, since the players are still student-athletes.
The Wolverines will then travel on Thursday (Oct. 9) and arrive Friday, allowing time to practice at the home of the Los Angeles Chargers, a facility with a Michigan connection in College Football Playoff National Championship-winning head coach Jim Harbaugh.
Regarding the challenges of traveling across time zones, Moore noted the physical toll of flying and adjusting to new environments.
“Flying dehydrates you,” Moore said. “You’ve got to recover a little bit more. It’s just different atmospheres, not necessarily just being away.”
Moore emphasized the importance of attacking those challenges rather than making excuses and said the early travel is designed to help the team feel more at home despite being far from Ann Arbor.
Offense
On the offensive side, Moore praised receivers Donaven McCulley and Andrew Marsh for making plays, noting McCulley’s career-best game with over 100 yards.
Moore acknowledged some dropped passes but stressed the importance of catching the ball when it hits the hands.
“Bryce (Underwood) will continue to get better,” Moore said. “But seems pretty accurate to me.”
USC
Moore also previewed USC’s offense, highlighting their explosive receivers and strong offensive line. He expects a tough, physical, four-quarter battle in the Coliseum.
Moore expressed confidence in defensive player Cole Sullivan, who has exceeded expectations with his hard work and physicality.
Reflecting on last year’s West Coast trip, Moore said this year’s team has a different mindset and focus. “All we’ve got to do is take care of today,” Moore said. “Can’t even worry about the game yet.”
Defense/special teams
On defensive starts, Moore said tackling is the key to avoiding giving up early touchdowns. He praised the defense’s resilience and physicality after they struggled in a recent game.
Regarding the secondary, Moore credited the coaching staff and players for mixing coverages well and fostering strong competition among teammates.
Moore also discussed special teams, noting a missed kick by Dominic Zvada due to a low snap and the importance of rhythm in kicking.
Offensive line
When asked about the offensive line, Moore said consistency is the goal and highlighted the potential return of key starters Giovanni El-Hadi and Brady Norton.
Underdogs
On the perception of Michigan as underdogs for the USC game, Moore dismissed the significance of odds and rankings.
“The lines don’t matter, the logos don’t matter,” Moore said. “Nothing matters but the people playing on the field.”
Justice Haynes
Moore praised running back Justice Haynes for his explosive play and work ethic, comparing him to past Michigan greats.
Jamar Browder
He also spoke about wide receiver Jamar Browder, a freshman with size and speed who is still learning the system but has the potential to make significant contributions.
Dropped passes
On handling dropped passes, Moore said there is a balance between maintaining player confidence and making necessary changes to help the team win.
Finally, Moore said the team will focus on their own execution and preparation rather than looking to other teams’ struggles with West Coast trips.
Going back to Cali
Moore discussed having student-athletes returning home for their upcoming trip back to California, where some players will return to their home state.
“Yeah, I do more of that, like talking to them individually,” Moore said. “We’ll talk about a little bit as a team on, you know, guys going back to California and, you know, live back in their home state and the families there.”
Moore emphasized not making too much of the trip a big deal.
“I don’t make it too much of a deal because at the end of the day, we’re going to somebody else’s place and we’re not celebrating going to the Coliseum. There are no pictures and selfies because we’re at the nice coliseum. Uh, it’s sold out, but it’s sold out because Michigan’s coming.”
Moore expressed excitement about the opportunity for players to see family and friends.
“We’re excited about the opportunity for guys to get to go back home and see family and family, you know, be closer and friends, but um, not make it too much of a deal there,” Moore said.
Regarding Penn State’s recent loss to UCLA after traveling west, Moore said the team is focused on themselves.
“That’s their game. That’s what happened to them. I’m not going to refer back to that. And they all saw it. They all know. They all understand what happened. We’re not them,” Moore said.
Moore added, “So, our narrative and our focus will be on us and how we go win this game, you know, execution and our plan and our goal of what we’re going to do. So, yeah, I can’t speak to what they did and how they played. So, yeah, we’re just going to be worried about us.”