Kalel Mullings and the Michigan Wolverines beat the USC Trojans 27-24 after scoring on their final possession, retaking the lead late in the fourth quarter.

Mullings led the Wolverines with career-highs in carries (17) and yards (159). He also tied his career-high with two touchdowns.

USC (2-1) entered the game ranked No. 12 in this week’s US LBM Coaches Poll while Michigan (3-1) was ranked No. 17.

Quarterback Miller Moss and the Trojans were coming off a bye week and started the first half slow on offense before using a strong second half to keep the game close in the final period. The Wolverines were coming off a 28-18 victory over Arkansas State. The pair of wins now serves as a much-needed bounce-back following the 31-12 loss to No. 2 Texas on Sept. 7.

Coach Sherrone Moore decided to make a change earlier this week when he announced Alex Orji as the Wolverines’ starting quarterback.

Orji completed seven of 12 passes for 32 yards. He contributed on the ground with 15 carries for 43 yards.

USC vs. Michigan highlights

Michigan beats USC in Big Ten thriller

Michigan’s defense prevents USC from getting into field goal range to hold on to the lead and the Big Ten Conference victory at home.

Kalel Mullings, Michigan retake lead from USC late

Kalel Mullings puts Michigan back in front after a short-yardage touchdown run that capped off a 10-play, 89-yard drive. Dominic Zvada’s PAT is good.

The Wolverines lead the Trojans 27-24 with 37 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter.

USC football converts turnover into points for lead

The Trojans have taken a lead in the fourth quarter after Miller Moss found Ja’Kobi Lane for a 24-yard touchdown. PAT was good.

USC capitalized on the opportunity presented after linebacker Eric Gentry had forced running back Donovan Edwards to fumble on the first play of a drive on the Michigan 18-yard line. USC leads Michigan 24-20 with 7:06 left in the fourth quarter. Michigan’s offense has stalled out having been forced to a four-and-out on the two possessions prior to the fumble.

Will Johnson walks back to locker room

Michigan defensive back Will Johnson was seen walking up the tunnel toward the locker room. CBS sideline reporter Jenny Dell mentioned on the broadcast that Johnson’s family was also seen in the tunnel a few minutes later. It remains unclear what the injury could be.

USC’s Jay Fair scores shortly after wild double-fumble play

The Trojans have managed to stay in the game after Miller Moss completes a pass to Jay Fair for a wide-open 16-yard touchdown. PAT was good.

The Trojans trail the Wolverines 20-17 with 1:28 left in the third quarter.

USC had its drive briefly interrupted after Moss fumbled the football and had it recovered by Michigan lineman Kenneth Grant, who also fumbled it away. Woody Marks recovered the ball to give the Trojans a new set of downs.

Will Johnson scores for Michigan

Defensive back Will Johnson sets a new Michigan record for most career pick-6s after increasing the Wolverines’ lead when intercepting USC quarterback Miller Moss’ pass and returning it back for a touchdown with 5:31 left in the third quarter. Kicker Dominic Zvada missed the field goal.

Michigan leads USC 20-10.

Johnson is viewed as a highly touted NFL draft prospect, who could hear his name called in the first round in April.

USC, Michigan injury update

Tight end Lake McRee appeared to be visibly upset on the sideline without his helmet on the CBS broadcasts. McRee made a catch before a Michigan defender tackled McRee at his legs.

Michigan quarterback Alex Orji was spotted on the CBS broadcast with an athletic trainer, who was looking at his taped up right hand.

Miller Moss finds Duce Robinson in the end zone

Receiver Duce Robinson caught a nine-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Miller Moss. Michael Lantz made the successful field goal. The Trojans produced a 12-play, 75-yard drive to open the second half. Michigan leads USC 14-10 with 9:10 left in the third quarter.

USC makes changes along the offensive line

Coach Lincoln Riley appeared to make some adjustments on the offensive line to start the second half. Tobias Raymond enters the game at right tackle while Mason Murphy moves to left tackle, according to Orange County Register reporter Luca Evans. Elijah Paige, who was called for a false start in the first quarter, was benched. Alani Noa was also replaced during the game.

Michigan leads USC at halftime

The Wolverines returned to the locker room with a comfortable 14-3 lead over the Trojans.

Michigan had 199 rushing yards in the first half on 27 carries while USC was held to -16 yards on eight attempts.

Alex Orji completed just four of seven pass attempts for 21 yards for Michigan but had an impact on the ground with 47 yards on seven carries in his first career start.

Quarterback Miller Moss and the USC offense have been slow out of the gate. Moss completed 11 of 20 pass attempts for 134 yards. He was also sacked twice.

USC cuts into Michigan’s lead

Quarterback Miller Moss and the USC offense drove down the field looking to answer Michigan’s touchdown drive. The Trojans were unsuccessful on third-and-11 before Moss managed to avoid a sack and connect with receiver Zachariah Branch for a 42-yard gain.

The Wolverines manage to keep the Trojans out of the endzone and USC settles for a successful 29-yard field goal. Michigan leads USC 14-3 with 4:15 left in the second quarter.

Donovan Edwards’ touchdown helps Michigan increase lead

Michigan has continued to find success with the run game against USC during the first half. Running back Donovan Edwards had a 41-yard run result in a touchdown. The field goal attempt was good. Michigan leads USC 14-0 with 7:14 left in the second quarter.

Makai Lemon headed to hospital after injury

Makai Lemon was being driven in an ambulance from the stadium to a nearby hospital after suffering an injury in the first quarter, according to CBS sideline reporter Jenny Dell.

Michigan honors Greg Harden with helmet patch

The Michigan Wolverines honored Greg Harden, who died last week after complications from surgery. The Michigan alumnus served as a life coach and motivational speaker and has worked with other notable alumni such as 7-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback Tom Brady and Heisman Trophy winner Desmond Howard. He also worked with Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps.

Makai Lemon in the locker room after injury

Lemon was spotted going back to the locker room at the end of the first quarter for further evaluation.

Kalel Mullings’ touchdown gives Michigan an early lead

Coach Sherrone Moore made a huge decision to go with it on fourth-and-1 and it paid off for the Wolverines, who managed to pick up the first down. Michigan’s Kalel Mullings had a 53-yard touchdown run on the next play. The field goal was good. Michigan leads USC 7-0 with 3:10 left in the first quarter.

USC had a short-yardage situation on third-and-1 but running back Woody Marks was unable to pick up the first down after he was stuffed by defensive lineman Mason Graham. USC punts.

USC WR Makai Lemon injured in first quarter

Receiver Makai Lemon is down on the field after the Trojans punted. Looks like a Michigan player hit Lemon with what looked like a blindside hit. Athletic trainers were looking at him on the field. He managed to walk off the field and toward the sideline.

Michigan, USC defense stand out early

USC won the coin toss and decided to defer to Michigan. The Wolverines receive the ball.

The Trojans held the Wolverines scoreless on an opening drive that featured a solid backfield tackle from USC linebacker Mason Cobb on running back Donovan Edwards for a 3-yard loss on second down. Linebacker Easton Mascarenas-Arnold tackles quarterback Alex Orji on third down before Michigan is forced to punt.

Michigan’s defensive line gets the best of USC’s offense, as it was pinned deep near the goal line. USC offensive lineman Elijah Paige was called for a false start penalty that put the Trojans back on their three-yard line on second down.

Michigan and USC remain scoreless with five minutes left in the first quarter. USC punts the ball back to Michigan

USC vs. Michigan pregame

As expected, quarterback Alex Orji will make his first career start for the Wolverines this afternoon.

Orji will be without starting tight end Colston Loveland, who was listed as ‘out’ on the pregame injury report.

When is USC vs. Michigan?

Kickoff is Saturday, Sept. 21 at 3:30 p.m. ET from Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

It’s the first meeting between the two teams since the Rose Bowl Game on Jan. 1, 2007. It’s also the first meeting between the two teams in Ann Arbor since 1958 when Michigan beat USC 20-19.

How to watch USC-Michigan game

The game will be broadcast on CBS, and also on Paramount+ and Fubo.

College football Week 2 schedule, Top 25

All times Eastern

Louisiana-Monroe at No. 2 Texas: 8 p.m. on ESPN+, SEC Network+

Marshall at No. 3 Ohio State: 12 p.m. on FOX

Georgia Southern at No. 5 Ole Miss: 7:45 p.m. on SEC Network

Kent State at No. 8 Penn State: 3:30 p.m. on Big Ten Network

Vanderbilt at No. 8 Missouri: 4:15 p.m. on SEC Network

No. 15 Oklahoma State at No. 10 Utah: 4 p.m. on FOX

No. 11 Miami at South Florida: 7 p.m. on ESPN

No. 12 USC at No. 17 Michigan: 3:30 p.m. on CBS

No. 14 Kansas State at BYU: 10:30 p.m. on ESPN

Miami (Ohio) at No. 18 Notre Dame: 3:30 p.m. on NBC, Peacock

Georgia Tech at No. 20 Louisville: 3:30 p.m. on ESPN2

No. 23 Memphis at Navy: 3:30 p.m. on CBS Sports Network 

Bowling Green at No. 24 Texas A&M: 7:30 p.m. on ESPN+, SEC Network+

College football picks Week 4

USC vs. Michigan odds, lines

The USC Trojans are favorites to defeat the Michigan Wolverines in Saturday’s college football matchup, according to the BetMGM college football odds. Looking to wager? Check out the top college football betting apps in 2024 offering the top NCAA football betting promos and bonuses in 2024. 

Odds as of Saturday afternoon.

Spread: USC (-4.5)
Moneyline: USC (-210); Michigan (+170)
Over/Under: 44

USC vs. Michigan predictions

Detroit Free Press: USC 27, Michigan 16

Tony Garcia writes ‘It’s rare to have so much unknown in Week 4, but that’s what happens when there’s a major quarterback switch. It could go a few ways. Perhaps Orji unlocks the run element, it complements the defense perfectly and Michigan has found a new formula. Or, perhaps there’s a reason Orji wasn’t the starter originally and it shows. Or maybe there are just flashes, but not enough for a full game. In any case, USC just has too much talent and too solid of a scheme.’

Irish Breakdown: USC 27, Michigan 13

Bryan Driskell writes ‘Michigan’s defense will keep it close for awhile, but the Trojans are just too athletic and I just don’t think Michigan’s offense is just not good enough to win a game like this.’

ClutchPoints: USC 28, Michigan 10

Scotty White writes ‘The Trojans have simply looked a lot more impressive than Michigan this season, and when the Wolverines were similar underdogs against Texas, the Longhorns covered easily. Alex Orji isn’t going to be good enough in the passing game and USC will be able to score enough points for a comfortable win.’

USC vs. Michigan all-time record

USC 32, Michigan 18 (Jan. 1, 2007)
USC 28, Michigan 14 (Jan. 1, 2004)
USC 17, Michigan 10 (Jan. 1, 1990)
Michigan 22, USC 14 (Jan. 2, 1989)
USC 17, Michigan 10 (Jan. 1, 1979)
USC 14, Michigan 6 (Jan. 1, 1977)
USC 10, Michigan 3 (Jan. 1, 1970)
Michigan 20, USC 19 (Sept. 27, 1958)
Michigan 16, USC 6 (Sept. 28, 1957)
Michigan 49, USC 0 (Jan. 1, 1948)

Team Depth Charts

USC depth chart

·       QB: Miller Moss

·       RB: Woody Marks

·       WR-X: Kyron Hudson or Duce Robinson

·       WR-Z: Ja’Kobi Lane or Kyle Ford

·       WR-SL: Zachariah Branch

·       TE: Lake McRee

·       LT: Elijah Paige

·       LG: Emmanuel Pregnon

·       C: Jonah Monheim

·       RG: Alani Noa or Amos Talalele

·       RT: Mason Murphy

Defense 

·       DE: Anthony Lucas

·       DT: Gavin Meyer or Bear Alexander

·       DT: Nate Clifton

·       DE: Jamil Muhammad

·       MLB: Easton Mascarenas-Arnold

·       WLB: Mason Cobb or Eric Gentry

·       NB: Greedy Vance Jr.

·       LCB: Jacobe Covington

·       SS: Akili Arnold

·       FS: Kamari Ramsey

·       RCB: Jaylin Smith

Specialists 

·       Punter: Eddie Czaplicki 

·       Placekicker: Michael Lantz

Michigan depth chart

Offense 

·       QB: Alex Orji

·       RB: Donovan Edwards  

·       WR-X: Peyton O’Leary 

·       WR-Z: Tyler Morris 

·       WR-SL: Semaj Morgan  

·       TE: Colston Loveland  

·       LT: Myles Hinton 

·       LG: Josh Priebe 

·       C: Dominick Giudice  

·       RG: Giovanni El-Hadi 

·       RT: Evan Link  

Defense 

·       DE: Cameron Brandt 

·       NT: Kenneth Grant 

·       DT: Mason Graham 

·       LOLB: Josaiah Stewart 

·       MLB: Jaishawn Barham 

·       WLB: Ernest Hausmann 

·       ROLB: Derrick Moore 

·       LCB: Jyaire Hill 

·       SS: Makari Paige 

·       FS: Quinten Johnson 

·       RCB: Will Johnson 

Specialists 

·       Punter: Tommy Doman 

·       Placekicker: Dominic Zvada 

College Football Fix podcast

The Pac-12 is staying alive but will it matter? Are there legitimate concerns about Georgia? And how will a huge Saturday shake out?

Dan Wolken and Paul Myerberg of USA TODAY Sports discuss these topics and more in this week’s version of the College Football Fix.

US LBM Coaches Poll 

Both USC and Michigan are ranked in this week’s US LBM Coaches Poll. The Trojans are ranked No. 12 this week after falling one spot following a bye week for Week 3. Michigan is No. 17 this week after dropping one spot.

College football bowl projections 

There’s still a lot of time left in the season for teams to continue jockeying for position with the hope of landing a spot in the College Football Playoff and at the very least a bowl game. Here are Erick Smith’s USA TODAY Sports bowl projections following the result of Week 3 games.

College football Re-Rank 1-134 

Paul Myerberg provides this week’s USA TODAY Sports NCAA Re-Rank 1-134, where he ranks every team in college football, including USC and Michigan before they meet this afternoon.

College football overreactions from Week 3

Reporter Eddie Timanus is back to offer some big-picture perspective in response to a bit of the buzz from Week 3, much of which was generated by members of one conference in particular.

College football 2024 season predictions 

The experts at USA TODAY Sports offer predictions for the season ahead, including which 12 teams will make the College Football Playoff. Who wins the national championship? 

Scooby Axson: Ohio State 

Jordan Mendoza: Oregon 

Paul Myerberg: Georgia 

Erick Smith: Georgia 

Eddie Timanus: Ohio State 

Dan Wolken: Ohio State 

We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.

CLEMSON, S.C. — In its first ACC game of the season, No. 19 Clemson dominated North Carolina State 59-35 on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

The Tigers’ offense didn’t miss a beat after its Week 3 open date, scoring on its first four possessions and logging 45 points in the first half. Defensively, Clemson (2-1, 1-0 ACC)) shined without defensive lineman Peter Woods, forcing three turnovers and recording two sacks to rout the Wolfpack (2-2, 0-1).

The win by the Tigers sent a message to the ACC, showcasing they are going to be one of the conference’s elite teams.

Clemson outgained North Carolina State 408-164 in the first half, including outrushing them 228-29. It led 28-0 at the end of the first quarter and scored on seven of its eight drives. Quarterback Cade Klubnik was efficient and kept the explosive plays coming, completing 16 of 24 passes for 209 yards and 70 yards rushing with four total touchdowns (one rushing).

Defensively, the Tigers stifled NC State freshman quarterback CJ Bailey. They sent blitzes that generated sacks and forced three turnovers (two fumbles, one interception).

With Woods out, the Tigers needed someone to step up. They found that production with T.J. Parker, who was tied for the most sacks on the team last year.

Parker recorded five tackles, including two sacks and a forced fumble, against the Wolfpack. Clemson entered Saturday’s game with only two sacks.

In the first half, the Tigers allowed 29 rushing yards and 135 passing yards. Parker led the defensive line’s dominance in the trenches and must continue to do so if Woods will miss more time.

Clemson was searching for a No. 2 running back behind Phil Mafah and may have found solution with Jay Haynes. The redshirt freshman replaced Mafah, who exited with an injury in the first quarter but returned to the game, and took advantage of his opportunities.

Haynes finished with 42 rushing yards on eight carries, including a 19-yard touchdown on a delayed handoff in the second quarter. He helped in pass protection and receiving downs, too, logging two catches for 17 yards. His production was huge to showcase there is depth behind Mafah.

Conor McGregor won’t fight until 2025, the former UFC champion said Saturday.

“One thing is for sure,’’ he told Ariel Helwani during DAZN’s broadcast of the heavyweight fight between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois. “Whenever it is and wherever it is, I will be 100 percent ready. That’s all I can focus on right now.’’

In June, McGregor pulled out of his scheduled fight with Michael Chandler while citing an injury. Chandler since was matched up with another opponent for a bout in November.

‘It is what it is,’ McGregor said. “I just take it on board and just rock on. My job is to just go to the gym, be in the gym, be in shape.’

McGregor, 36, has not fought since July 2021, when he lost to Dustin Poirier by TKO after breaking his leg in the first round. McGregor has lost three of his last four fights, raising doubts about whether he can recapture his old form.

He won the UFC featherweight championship in 2015 and UFC lightweight championship in 2016.

Utah football is without starting quarterback Cam Rising for its difficult road matchup with No. 15 Oklahoma State on Saturday, and is replacing the seventh-year senior with a familiar name.

The No. 12 Utes are starting true freshman Isaac Wilson, the little brother of Zach Wilson, the No. 2 overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft out of BYU and current Denver Broncos backup.

Wilson, making his second start in relief of Rising, completed 20 of 33 passes for 239 yards with four touchdowns last weekend against Utah State. He was also the first true freshman in program history to throw three touchdowns in his first start.

Wilson was a blue-chip prospect out of high school, tabbed as the No. 280 player nationally and No. 18 quarterback, according to 247Sports’ Composite rankings. The four-star prospect attended Corner Canyon High School in Draper, Utah.

The 6-foot signal caller breaks up the battle of seventh-year quarterbacks, as Rising was set to face Cowboys quarterback Alan Bowman, who is also in his seventh season of college football. Rising warmed up pregame, but was deemed unable to play.

Is Isaac Wilson related to Zach Wilson?

Yes, Utah quarterback Isaac Wilson is the younger brother of former New York Jets No. 2 overall pick Zach Wilson, who was traded to the Denver Broncos over the offseason.

Wilson attended BYU and was the second quarterback taken in the 2021 NFL Draft after the Jaguars’ Trevor Lawrence.

300 rushing yards for Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty?

Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty has been one of the more dominant players in the early part of the season. Jeanty has 459 rushing yards, is averaging a ridiculous 10.2 yards per carry, and has scored nine touchdowns in two games.

Next up for the Broncos is Portland State from the Championship Series, who had their game against South Dakota last week canceled due to illness within the football program. The one Bowl Subdivision opponent the Vikings have played was Washington State in their season opener. The Cougars proceeded to score 70 points and only had the ball for 19 minutes in their 40-point victory.

Depending on the score and given the opportunity and carries, Jeanty could run for 300 yards or more, a feat no FBS running back achieved in 2023. — Scooby Axson

WEEKEND FORECAST: Expert picks for every Top 25 game in Week 4

Tennessee gives Oklahoma rude welcome to SEC

Oklahoma was one of the schools that kicked off the rapid realignment we see today, but after Saturday, some Sooner fans may be second-guessing the move. Tennessee’s offense has been ruthless so far this season, averaging an FBS-best 63.7 points and second most yards per game at 639.3. Oklahoma’s offense has looked shaky so far and doesn’t look capable of keeping up. Add in the fact Josh Heupel is returning to the stadium he became a legend in and he got fired from, the Tennessee coach isn’t even going to consider pressing the brake on his alma mater. The Volunteers stomp their way to victory in Oklahoma’s rough SEC debut. — Jordan Mendoza

Baylor spoils Big 12 debut for Colorado

Baylor gives Colorado the Nebraska treatment and spoils the Buffaloes’ Big 12 opener to drop their record to 2-2. CU has the weapons to outscore a few teams in Big 12 play and potentially get to bowl eligibility. But the Bears’ defense has been very good through three games and could put the clamps on Shedeur Sanders and the passing game. On the other hand, a win for CU would definitely put it range of six wins in November. — Paul Myerberg

South Florida may pull fast one on Miami

The Hurricanes are one of the success of the early season after three wins that have moved them just outside the top 10 of the US LBM Coaches Poll. But could all those positive vibes go to their head as they prepare to face South Florida? These are the same Bulls that pushed Alabama into the fourth quarter the past two seasons. And they’ll have a home crowd edge in Tampa. Also add into the equation that Miami faces a short week with Virginia Tech visiting next Friday. Should the Hurricanes be overlooking their in-state rivals, this sets up to be a tight game that might need some heroics from Cam Ward to keep them unbeaten.— Erick Smith

MIchigan State beats Boston College in Red Bandana Game

One of the sport’s best new traditions is the Red Bandana Game at Boston College, honoring the memory of BC alum and 9/11 hero Welles Crowther. The Eagles host Michigan State Saturday night in this year’s version in what could also be among the top under-the-radar games of the weekend.

The Spartans bring a 3-0 record into Chestnut Hill that includes a Big Ten road victory at Maryland. The Eagles for their part also have a conference win in the bank and acquitted themselves well last week in a one-score loss at Missouri. The game will feature a couple of the game’s more exciting quarterbacks, Michigan State’s Aidan Chiles and Boston College’s Thomas Castellanos.

So who wins? We’ll take the Spartans to keep their record unblemished heading into next week’s date with Ohio State, but the Eagles will nevertheless be a tough out for the rest of the ACC going forward. — Eddie Timanus

Michigan pulls surprise as USC starts Big Ten play

Michigan has not looked good at all through three games, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. Southern Cal is 2-0 with the signature win in the season opener over LSU. Thus, USC is favored going into the Big House on Saturday for its first-ever Big Ten game. But for some reason, this feels like a good spot for Michigan to pull the upset. USC may be a little overrated at this point (the LSU win hasn’t held up as well as we thought), and Michigan may get a spark from making the quarterback change back to Alex Orji, who was thought to be the starter going into the season but lost out to Davis Warren. Maybe Michigan never gets on track with this group, but USC going on the road and playing a team with Michigan’s style may be more complicated than it seems on the surface. I’ll take the Wolverines to pull the upset here. — Dan Wolken

Like most WNBA fans, Lexie Hull consumes a lot of Caitlin Clark content. 

Any time Clark breaks a record, says something interesting or, like, sneezes, Hull is made aware. 

But when Hull, Clark and Katie Lou Samuelson traveled with their boyfriends (in Samuelson’s case, husband) to Mexico for a much-needed beach vacation during the WNBA Olympic break, Hull learned something new about Clark. 

The No. 1 pick of the 2024 draft and the overwhelming favorite to win Rookie of the Year is . . . funny. 

Goofy, even. A prankster. 

“She loves to stir up some trouble, that’s for sure. If you need a laugh, she’ll get it done for you,” Hull told USA TODAY Sports. 

What’s more, Hull’s friendship with Clark, and the on-court chemistry that’s resulted from it, could be a difference-maker going into the WNBA playoffs. 

The Fever, who haven’t been to the postseason since 2016, start their playoff journey Sunday at Connecticut in the first of a three-game series vs. the Sun. The Fever are the sixth seed, and have won nine of their last 13 games. Everyone knows what they’re going to get with Clark (19.2 ppg, 8.4 apg) , 2023 Rookie of the Year Aliyah Boston (14.0 ppg, 8.9 rpg) and two-time All-Star Kelsey Mitchell (19.2 ppg). 

But Hull’s rise this season has been the most impressive and, in many ways, the most surprising. 

The No. 6 pick in the 2022 WNBA Draft, Hull was a starter most of last season. Many thought that would change with the addition of Clark, who was predicted to go No. 1 in 2024 as soon as the Fever secured the top pick last December. When Indiana made it official on April 15, a video of Hull, Erica Wheeler and Maya Caldwell celebrating — and immediately putting on No. 22 red Fever jerseys — went viral. 

Hull knew her role might change, but she embraced the opportunity to play with someone who rewrote the college record books. 

“I want to play with the best players and I want to win games,” Hull said. “Having her on your team makes your team better. I watched her in college and I was really impressed with her playmaking. Honestly, I was more excited about her passing ability than her scoring. I was excited to get out and run and make cuts, because I knew she’d find me.”

That they clicked and immediately became good friends was a bonus.

And yet, even Hulls admits the first few weeks of the season were rough.

Out of the rotation early — she did not leave the bench in six of the Fever’s first 21 games — Hull got hot after the Olympic break. On Aug. 18, Indiana’s second game back after the month-long pause, Hull came off the bench and drained six of her seven 3-point attempts in a 92-75 win over Seattle.

“It was frustrating because I was in the gym every single day, but I felt like my performance wasn’t matching up with the amount of work I was putting in,” she said. “So getting to the point where I could just let it fly felt so good. Things were finally clicking, and that definitely changes the feeling of the game on both ends of the floor.” 

After that game, Clark posted on the platform formerly known as Twitter, “This is now a Lexie Hull fan account.” 

She’s been on a roll ever since. Hull was inserted into the starting lineup Aug. 28; Indiana has gone 6-3 with her in the first five. She’s second in the WNBA in 3-point percentage, connecting on 47.1% of her attempts from long range. She’s 24-of-38 post-Olympics, an eye-popping 63.2%.

Hull’s confidence has clearly skyrocketed the second half of the season. That’s especially true when she’s on the floor with Clark, whose belief in Hull is obvious every time she feeds her the ball on the perimeter. 

“I think there is a lot of confidence from her, but also, she has high expectations for everyone,” said Hull, who is often seen laughing on the bench with Clark. “She’s creating a lot of shots. We get open looks because of how much attention she draws, and when she does give up the ball, we get open shots. And when you knock those down, it gives you confidence.” 

Clark sees the difference in Hull, too.

“What she brings for us is a tenacity, especially on the defensive end,” Clark said. “She’s gonna be the one diving on the floor. She’s gonna be the one chasing the best player all over the court. And she’s obviously worked really hard on her shot as well. The way she’s been able to shoot the ball since the Olympic break is incredible. I think it’s added a whole other dynamic for us. “

Hull credits the month off for giving her, and others, a chance to build a relationship with Clark away from basketball. Based on past experiences, Hull knew camaraderie in the locker room could translate to games. 

“I think even when I look at back at our success at Stanford, a lot that came from really caring about each other and building those friendships off the court,” said Hull, who helped the Cardinal to the 2021 NCAA title. 

From 1,800 miles away, even Kate Martin, Clark’s teammate at Iowa who now plays for the Las Vegas Aces, noticed Hull’s improved play — and suspected Clark’s friendship had something to do with it. Clark’s ability to infuse her teammates with confidence, Martin said, is a game-changer. 

“The best part of her game is her ability to make her teammates better,” Martin said. “When you’re that great of a player and that confident, other people start to believe it (about themselves) too.” 

At Iowa, Martin said she often felt Clark knew how good she could be before Martin realized it herself. Martin might be surprised that she made a WNBA roster, but Clark predicted it would happen.

Indiana coach Christie Sides has seen it, too. She said for all of Clark’s accomplishments, her ability to elevate her teammates is “what separates her.” 

The surge in confidence for Hull hasn’t just impacted her offensive production, either. Hull is often assigned to guard the opponent’s best perimeter player, and known for hustle plays that typically don’t show up on a stat sheet. 

Since her resurgence mid-August Hull has made some sort of late pivotal play — knocking down a big shot, grabbing a key defensive rebound, deflecting a critical pass or taking a charge — in nearly every close Fever contest. TV analyst Debbie Antonelli, who has called every Indiana game this season, described her play on air recently as “vintage Lexie Hull.” 

For the Fever, it couldn’t come at a better time. 

This story was updated to correct a misspelling/typo.

Sheldon Kennedy remembers playing his first hockey game when he was 4 years old, on an outdoor rink in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

His family lived on a dairy farm several hours west in the Canadian province. Kennedy played tournaments on weekends and, in between, the games shifted to the road once the street lights came on.

His love of hockey softened the hard work on the farm and the anxiety brought on by a father he describes as angry and violent.

“We weren’t modeled with a great loving relationship between mother and father, I can tell you that,” Kennedy, who played parts of eight seasons in the NHL, recalled in a 2022 Players’ Tribune podcast.

Kennedy’s junior hockey coach offered much more of a connection. He called Kennedy’s parents and invited the young player to stay at his house and discuss Kennedy’s future. They couldn’t get Kennedy on the bus fast enough.

It was a decision that altered his life forever. The coach abused him for a number of years.

“I had the love of the game stolen from me,” Kennedy said.

The experience drove Kennedy to depression, substance abuse and suicide attempts. In 1996, late in his NHL career, he became one of the first prominent male athletes to come forward about being sexually abused.

He became a hero in Canada and in 2004, he started the Respect Group with Wayne McNeil to help sports organizations across his nation prevent what happened to him.

Sexual abuse in youth serving organizations is a recognized problem in countries all over the world, according to Canada’s Child Advocacy Centre. Protect Youth Sports, a U.S.-based organization, runs more than 1.1 million volunteers through background checks each year.

“The stories are scary,” says RJ Frasca, Protect Youth Sports’ vice president. “It’s incredibly important to have communication lines open with your kids. I think it’s much more effective than the background screening itself.’

USA TODAY Sports spoke with Frasca and McNeil, Kennedy’s business partner, about how we can recognize signs of physical and emotional abuse and prevent it in youth sports.

(Questions and responses are edited for length and clarity.)

Start with background screenings. (No one is exempt.) But recognize this is just the first step.

In the United States, a number of companies, such as Protect Youth Sports and NCSI, offer background screenings for schools, leagues, camps and other youth organizations and institutions.

USA TODAY: Is there a success rate with background checks?

RJ Frasca: Of the 1.1 million visitors we run, about 6% come back with some type of criminal conviction or they’re on the sex offender registry. Most recently, we had a coach come through and we caught him on a very recent criminal charge. Then he resubmitted four times with different dates of birth, social security numbers, really trying to get around the system. And I don’t know his backstory, maybe he just really wanted to coach his son’s team or daughter’s team, but kept going through to the point where then he finally admitted it. But he said that he had legal court documents that showed that (the charge) had been dismissed and he had some documents that falsified a judge’s signatures on it.

This one was not a sexual charge (but) it was a criminal conviction. We verified it with the courts. And (they said), ‘It’s not been dismissed.’

Wayne McNeil: A police check feels good, but coaches that have been convicted often know how to play around the system, or they go to organizations that don’t demand screening or a police check. And (there’s people) that have been accused but never convicted (and) they don’t show up in a police check.

I think what our approach is, empower the bystander.

Know the warning signs: Abuse, particularly sexual abuse, is not always easy to spot

The Respect In Sport program has trained about 2.5 million volunteers through its online programs in preventing abuse.

They learn we can’t just look for stranger danger: The white van or the guy with the mask. The vast majority of sexual abusers know their victims and go to great lengths to not only get close to the victim, but to establish themselves with the victim’s family. This process is known as grooming.

Grooming can come in the form of offering gifts to a child and making them feel special with one-on-one meetings away from the team.

Kennedy says his abuser got to know his parents and brother and then made himself the most trusted figure in Kennedy’s life by isolating Kennedy from them.

Abusers are known to target kids from broken homes where parents may be absent at times. Victims feel alone and trapped. Kennedy kept his secret for so long because, like many kids, he felt no one would believe him.

USA TODAY: What are some of the detecting skills that you highlight within your programs?

Wayne McNeil: A coach starts treating your kid a bit differently, maybe saying, ‘Why don’t we have a one-on-one practice? Can I pick you up?’ A lot of parents turn off those signals because they want the kid to succeed. And they’re like, ‘Oh my god, this Olympic coach is starting to spend a lot of time with my kid, that’s probably a good thing.’ Well, it could be, but highly unlikely that it is because they’ve got several people they need to coach and maybe this behavior is going down a different path. I always used to say that the kiss of death is when a coach tells a parent that your kid has potential and I personally can take them all the way to the podium or to the pros, just entrust your child to me.

RJ Frasca: Anybody can see a bruise (although kids may cover it with long sleeves out of embarrassment) but not necessarily a different behavior, how the coach is speaking to the kids or how your child is off in a corner somewhere and isolated. You need to be watching if there’s an uptick in anxiety or fear, or if a specific kid on the team does not want to associate with a certain adult … you see the drawing away socially, social awkwardness or distancing; watch for those types of things, and if they can’t be explained otherwise.

Understand there are different types of abuse, and they all blend together

All of these types of abuse can unfortunately be found in youth sports.

BAHD behavior, as the Respect Group refers to bullying, abuse, harassment and discrimination, can overlap and be difficult to separate.

Its training module, to which USA TODAY Sports was granted access, stresses a volunteer doesn’t have to name a behavior in order to take action to stop it. We can just use our gut if something doesn’t seem right.

Related: Watch a safety training video provided by Protect Youth Sports (note: contains some graphic content)

USA TODAY: What are signs in kids’ behavior that indicate there might be a problem?

Wayne McNeil: If there’s a sudden change in the kid’s behavior relative to the sport, you need to figure out what’s going on. And oftentimes it could be bullying between other kids. They’re not feeling accepted by their peers. Oftentimes it could be the coach excluding them from the play. There’s all sorts of things that lead to sudden changes in a kid’s behavior. And when that happens, whatever the change is, you need to be wondering, why doesn’t my kid want to practice? Why doesn’t my kid want to go to the game when they used to be so pumped about going to the game? And maybe there’s something going on with the peer group or the coach that’s causing that to happen. Conversely, if a coach is seeing behavior changes in the kid, they need to be aware of the fact that, maybe there’s something going on at home, maybe there’s some ugly things happening at school.

Watch for these red flags of abusive behavior

Predatory or abusive behavior often builds over time, according to the Respect Group. We can watch for behavior that seems out of the ordinary and catch the abuse before it starts. Don’t dismiss flirting between a coach and a younger participant, a coach who encourages inappropriate attention with vulgarities or excessive hugging or physical contact, even when it appears consensual.

Watch for a coach spending one-on-one time after practice or away from the group with one player while it’s still going on.

Establish a “Rule of Two,” which the Respect Group teaches, requiring there to be at least two leaders (one of the same gender) with a young person. One-on-one interaction must be within earshot of the other.

Learn to identify the forms of emotional abuse, which consists of both physical abuse (a coach who throws objects at or near someone to cause them to feel afraid or intimidated) and neglect (a coach who frequently ignores a player as a way to “toughen up” or motivate them to perform better), regardless of intent.

These are no longer behaviors accepted in coaching, and they can lead to emotional harm.

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Have the courage to speak up if something doesn’t seem right.

USA TODAY: In terms of preventing abuse, are there things you teach adults to say to their kids about what to look out for?

RJ Frasca: It’s really just working with the league and the community that you’re putting your kids in the sports, to make sure that there’s a good code of conduct reporting mechanism and program in place. And then, you know, participating in it. Don’t just drop your kids off; be part of it.

Only 38% of youth that are abused in any form or fashion ever report it. That’s a terrifying number. So, are we encouraging them to really, really communicate and ask those right questions as they go along through the season? There’s a lot of opportunity to increase your chances of communication, if you’re asking the right questions, if you’re talking to them at their level, at their age group, and really starting to dig in on like, ‘What do you think of this? And how are the other kids? What happened today at practice? How did that happen? Why did you say this? And how do you feel?’ Those type of questions.

Preventing abuse is about making good sense common again

When he was first beginning his journey of self-discovery, Kennedy rollerbladed across Canada to spread awareness for victims of abuse.

Speaking to people, he says he came to learn perpetrators prey on communities’ ignorance and indifference.

In the United States, the SafeSport Act requires amateur athletics governing bodies to report awareness of any case of abuse immediately to local or federal law enforcement or to a child-welfare agency designated by the U.S. Justice Department and have education and training for adults who are in direct contact with athletes who are minors.

“Sheldon has a great saying,” McNeil says. “It’s not common sense; it’s good sense that we need to be common again.”

USA TODAY: How do you promote a different type of coaching in your program that gives people the proper training on how to be coaches?

Wayne McNeil: If I were to encapsulate it, I would say it’s trying to create an environment that is psychologically safe, and, obviously, with concussions and so on, physically safe. It’s not about skills development: Here’s how to kick a soccer ball or shoot a puck. It’s really giving coaches, if we’re talking about the coach program, the insights and guidelines on how to create an environment that’s respectful, welcoming and psychologically safe. Hey, if I treat my kid, the ref, the coach with respect and vice versa, chances are I’m going to have a psychologically safe environment for which that kid can participate.

People are like, ‘Why do I have to take a program?’ Well, the answer is, you’re a good person, and you’ve probably never had this education, so we give you more tools to be a little bit better; it’s advantageous for you and it’s advantageous for your child.

We’re under no illusions that our program is going to catch an abuser, and that’s really not our focus. Our focus is, if you can empower everybody in a situation with a good education, they will be the ones that call out the anomalies, whether it be a parent or coach.

Steve Borelli, aka Coach Steve, has been an editor and writer with USA TODAY since 1999. He spent 10 years coaching his two sons’ baseball and basketball teams. He and his wife, Colleen, are now sports parents for two high schoolers. His column is posted weekly. For his past columns, click here.