Pasadena ? Grass stains soiled John Navarre’s knees, thighs, hips and backside, and blood was on his passing hand.

Navarre ended his record-setting career at Michigan on his back.

The senior was sacked nine times, including on his last two snaps, in Southern California’s 28-14 win over the Wolverines in the Rose Bowl on Thursday.

“I think it swung on our inability to protect the quarterback,” Michigan coach Lloyd Carr said. “It was my greatest fear coming into the game.”

Michigan’s heralded offensive line, with three seniors and two juniors, gave up just 15 sacks during the regular season. But the Wolverines failed to protect Navarre at the most important time.

“It’s tough because it’s something we take a lot of pride in,” offensive tackle Tony Pape said.

The top-ranked Trojans set a season high for sacks, coming off the corner with speed and collapsing the pocket with a powerful inside push. USC noticed Navarre had not been roughed up much this season, so it wanted to change that.

“We wanted to give him a little pressure, hit him a couple of times, and see how he reacted,” USC safety Jason Leach said.

All the sacks — and the countless times Navarre was hurried — stunted No. 4 Michigan’s high-powered offense.

Southern Cal coach Pete Carroll shows off the Rose Bowl trophy as he celebrates with his players, including Keary Colbert, left, and MVP quarterback Matt Leinart. The Trojans defeated Michigan, 28-14, Thursday in Pasadena, Calif.

And Heisman Trophy finalist Chris Perry said it was the reason the Wolverines lost.

“Factor? That was the whole game,” the running back said.

The Wolverines were averaging 31.2 points per game, ninth in the country, and 457.3 yards, the 12th-best total in the nation. Michigan gained 320 yards and had 25 first downs to USC’s 19, but it couldn’t protect Navarre enough to score more than two touchdowns. The Wolverines had scored at least 27 points in every game.

Navarre was 27-of-46 passing for 271 yards with one TD and one interception.

USC came from all angles to harass Navarre, Michigan’s most prolific passer. When Navarre did have a few seconds to throw, USC’s secondary often blanketed the Wolverines downfield and forced the quarterback to hold the ball longer than he wanted.

USC's LenDale White, right, stretches to cross the goal line for a touchdown in front of Michigan's Ernest Shazor. The Trojans won the Rose Bowl, 28-14, Thursday at Pasadena, Calif.

“They did have some coverage sacks,” Navarre said. “And they did a good job of mixing up their blitzes.”

The Trojans also slowed down Perry, who won the Doak Walker Award as the nation’s best back. Perry ran 23 times for 85 yards — nearly 50 below his average.

Perry, usually a reliable pass protector, was the last one to touch the Trojans before they leveled Navarre at least a couple of times.

“I’m the last line of defense,” he said. “I’ll take the blame.”

USC quarterback matt leinart throws a pass against Michigan. Leinart threw three touchdown passes and caught another against Michigan Thursday at Pasadena, Calif.