The USC Trojans reinforced their claim to be the nation's top college football team by defeating the Michigan Wolverines 28-14 in the Rose Bowl on Thursday.
The Southern Californian university's much heralded defense sacked Michigan quarterback John Navarre nine times during the victory, which makes it likely there will be no consensus choice for the nation's top team this year.
"I'm sure they will get a share of the national championship and I think they are very deserving," said Michigan coach Lloyd Carr after the game played in front of a crowd of 93,849 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena.
Carr told reporters that the Trojans defensive front four created "havoc."
"We gave up too many sacks, too many negative yards and I think that was probably the difference in the game," he said.
USC ended the regular season ranked No. 1 by coaches and in another media poll but were controversially not selected to play in the national championship game.
Oklahoma and LSU will meet in the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 4 in the national championship game after being chosen by a complex formula that includes computer and schedule rankings.
Coaches are committed to voting for the winner of that game as the national champions but the media poll is likely to continue to back USC.
Michigan looked impressive on its opening drive but failed to score when a 47 yard field goal attempt from Wolverine kicker Garrett Rivas was blocked by Shaun Cody.
USC then capitalized on the good field position and took the lead after an explosive opening drive that took just 37 seconds and ended with wide receiver Keary Colbert catching a 25 yard pass from Trojan quarterback Matt Leinart for a touchdown.
In the second quarter, USC's defense became increasingly dominant but they also received some luck when a pass from Navarre hit the heel of wide receiver Braylon Edwards and bounced into the arms of USC linebacker Lofa Tatupu.
Tatupu ran the ball back to the Michigan three yard line and when the offence took over Leinart then connected with tailback LenDale White for a touchdown.
"To get a touchdown off a play like that, that is something you hate to have happen to you," Michigan coach Carr said.
USC extended their lead to 21-0 early in the third quarter following a 47 yard touchdown pass from Leinart to Colbert before Michigan cut the deficit to 21-7 eight minutes later with tight end Tim Massaquoi catching a five-yard pass from Navarre.
USC restored their 21-point lead on their next drive with Leinart pitching the ball to tailback Hershel Dennis who then pitched it to wide receiver Mike Williams as the play reversed direction, wrong footing Michigan's defense.
Williams then threw a pass to a wide open Leinart who raced into the end zone.
Michigan narrowed the deficit to 28-14 early in the fourth quarter after a drive that ended with a two-yard touchdown run by tailback Chris Perry.
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