Why did Michigan players wear a patch on their helmets vs USC?
The Michigan Wolverines have had heart stickers on the back of their helmets for two weeks now. The stickers are a tribute to former school athletic counselor Greg Harden, who died earlier in the month due to complications during a surgery. He was 75 years old. Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel said this in a statement regarding Harden's passing earlier in the month:
"There is no one better than Greg Harden and we are devastated as a Michigan family by this news, Greg has positively impacted the lives of so many student-athletes, coaches, and staff at Michigan. He made an unbelievable impact on my life. I am grateful and lucky to have had him in my life for the past 40 years.
"I will be forever indebted to Greg for all that he did to help shape me into the person that I am today."
He was often labeled as the Wolverines' "secret weapon," and credited with being key in the personal development of many Michigan players, with Tom Brady also coming through the school in Harden's time. Harden spent 34 years as an employee of the University of Michigan between 1986 and 2019.
Former Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy also paid his respects this month:
"You have inspired me by your ability to unconditionally love everyone and everything."
How did the Michigan Wolverines fare against USC in Week 4?
The Wolverines and the Trojans were separated only by a field goal with Michigan winning the game 27-24. Sherrone Moore kept the game competitive even though the Wolverines played almost no aerial game.
Neither Jack Tuttle nor Davis Warren started as quarterback, but instead, it was the turn of Alex Orji. Orji threw for only 32 yards in the game but also ran for 43. Almost all of the Wolverines' offensive efforts came from running backs Kalel Mullings and Donovan Edwards, who recorded 159 and 74 rushing yards respectively. Mullings had two rushing touchdowns while Edwards had one.
The Trojans were led on offense by Miller Moss, who threw for 283 yards, three touchdowns and an interception. Running back Jo'quavious Mark ran for 100 yards.