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No. 11 USC and No. 18 Michigan Gear Up for Big Ten Showdown

The fans at Michigan Stadium will be treated to a game between USC and Michigan when they take their seats.

(Photo by Getty Images) Davis Warren

USC (2-0-0) at Michigan (2-1-0)

  • When: Sep 21 2024, 3:30 PM
  • Where: Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, MI
  • Where to watch: CBS

Game Odds, Spread, Moneyline & Total

USC (#11) @ Michigan (#18)
Moneyline

USC (#11)   -180
Michigan (#18)   +155

USC (#11) @ Michigan (#18)
Point Spread

USC (#11)   -4.0 (-115)
Michigan (#18)   4.0 (-105)

USC (#11) @ Michigan (#18)
Total

Over   44.0 (-110)
Under   44.0 (-110)

Passing Team Leaders:
USC: Miller Moss 607 Yds
Michigan: Davis Warren 444 Yds

Team Stats

USC   Michigan
2-0 Record 2-1
1-0 Away & Home 2-1
2-0-0 ATS 0-3-0
0-2-0 O/U 1-2-0

Last Matchup:
USC 32-18, January 1st, 2007

Game Preview

For the first time since 1958, No. 11 Southern California will head to Ann Arbor, Michigan, to face No. 18 Michigan in the Trojans’ inaugural Big Ten Conference matchup.

USC (2-0, 0-0 Big Ten) last played at Michigan Stadium on September 27, 1958, when the Wolverines claimed a narrow 20-19 victory. The teams have met seven times in Rose Bowl Games since, with their most recent encounter in the 2007 edition.

"Two of the most iconic brands in college football going head-to-head is exciting," USC coach Lincoln Riley remarked during a media session on Tuesday.

The Trojans aim to assert themselves in the restructured Big Ten by challenging the reigning conference champions and national champions, Michigan (2-1, 0-0).

USC enters Big Ten territory for the first time after a bye week, having won their first two nonconference games. The Trojans secured a dramatic 27-20 victory over LSU in Las Vegas, needing a last-minute touchdown. In their second game, they dominated Utah State with a 48-0 rout, featuring five rushing touchdowns from their running backs, led by Quinten Joyner’s two scores.

Woody Marks contributed two touchdowns against LSU, including the decisive one.

The bye week allowed USC to recover, particularly linebacker Mason Cobb and cornerback Jaylin Smith, who both returned to practice on Tuesday and will play crucial roles in countering Michigan’s offense.

The Wolverines have faced challenges in their nonconference schedule, including a disappointing 31-12 loss to Texas at home in Week 2. They struggled offensively in a 28-18 win over Arkansas State last week, leading to a change at quarterback.

Alex Orji will make his first career start after stepping in for Davis Warren, who had thrown an increasing number of interceptions each week. Orji shone in relief against Arkansas State, throwing for a touchdown and rushing for 27 yards.

"I’ve told him to take charge and play like he did in camp," coach Sherrone Moore said regarding Orji. "He’s been great in practice, and I believe he’ll perform well."

As Michigan seeks to regain its offensive rhythm from last season, they have relied heavily on Kalel Mullings, who is averaging 7.5 yards per carry on his 36 rushes.

While the Wolverines work on their offense, their defense has remained strong, allowing just 70 rushing yards per game, thanks to a formidable front seven led by All-American Mason Graham.

Graham, a Southern California native, was recruited by Riley when he took over USC in late 2021, but by that time, Graham was firmly committed to Michigan. Riley noted that Graham is among the many players on the Wolverines’ roster with potential for a future in the NFL.

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NCAA Football Parlay Picks & Predictions

Final Score: USC 23-17
The Pick: USC -4 (-115) & Under 44
A $100 Parlay Bet will return $364

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