USC and Michigan battle in the 2007 Rose Bowl game Presented by Citi By Chad Miller January 10, 2007

This is the third time in four years that one of these two teams have been in this historic bowl game. USC battled throughout the year after losing to Oregon State in a close game that came down to a two-point conversion that failed at the end of the game. They won every game since then except to bitter rivals UCLA that cost them a chance in the BCS Championship game. USC ended the year with a 10-2 record.
Michigan on the other hand won every game this year except to Ohio State who is now playing in the National Championship game. They only lost by 3 points and were disappointed when Florida got the nod over them to play in the National Championship. Look for Michigan to start with a lot of energy because they still have a chance to win a share of the AP National title. Michigan ended with an 11-1 record and barely missed out on being in the National Championship game.
Both teams have high powered offenses lead by their quarterbacks, John David Booty for USC and Chad Henne for Michigan. These two quarterbacks have very similar stats throughout the year but Booty has the edge in passing yards with 2956 while Henne only has thrown for 2199. These two players must step up not only with passing yards but as being leaders for their team to win this game.
The running backs for both teams are very talented and are capable of breaking the big play every time they touch the ball. Michigan’s running back Michael Hart gets most of the carries while USC has a running by committee with running backs such as: Chauncey Washington, Emanuel Moody, and C.J. Gamble. Hart has ran for over 1500 yards with 14 touchdowns this season which is more than the USC running backs combined. Look for Michigan to establish this running game early in the first quarter.
USC has two of the best receivers in the league with Dwayne Jarrett and Steve Smith which will help John David Booty in the passing game. Michigan uses a plethora of wide receivers so look for Smith and Jarrett to make some huge plays for Booty in the passing game. Advantage USC.
Michigan has a potent defense that is ranked number 12 in the nation. It is lead by linebackers Prescott Burgess and Dave Harris. They have played better this year than USC’s defense which is not ranked as high but still has the talent to step up in this tense game. USC is led by one of the most talented line backing core in the nation with Keith Rivers, Brian Cushing, Rey Maualuga, and Dallas Sartz. Look for each defense to show their identity this game. Advantage Michigan.
Throughout the year these two teams have been watched with great care and precision. Each team has its strengths and its weaknesses and look for both of them to show in this classic Rose Bowl match up. All in all USC has the slight advantage on offense but Michigan has the slight advantage with its ferocious defense. USC’s young secondary must show up to stop Chad Henne and the air attack for the Wolverines or it will be a long night. But it will be hard for Michigan to stop the great wide-outs of Steve Smith and Dwayne Jarrett so look for SC to pull off a close victory 34-28 in a great game