The Michigan Wolverines and USC Trojans are set to resume what has been a spectacular (however abridged) rivalry on Saturday on the Large Home in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
The Trojans have rolled to a 2-0 report on the season with an enormous win over LSU of their coffers. For its half, Michigan was decimated in its greatest recreation of the season in opposition to Texas and adopted it up with an underwhelming 28-18 win over Arkansas State final weekend.
Michigan has higher expertise than it has
proven and matches up properly with the Trojans at most positions besides
for crucial of all — quarterback.
Listed here are 5 last-minute predictions for Saturday’s massive recreation, which can mark the debut of Michigan’s Alex Orji as beginning quarterback, with Miller Moss taking snaps for the Trojans:
5. Michigan will keep near USC
The Wolverines fell behind Texas 24-3 at halftime, dooming any hopes of a comeback after intermission with untested beginning QB Davis Warren on the helm of OC Kirk Campbell’s offense.
The Wolverines determine to play issues nearer to the vest with Orji at quarterback, pinching the offensive line inward and utilizing extra tight ends to create a writhing mass of humanity on the line of scrimmage.
Anticipate numerous runs and bootleg motion with Orji behind heart and a ball-control offense that may preserve the sport tight earlier than halftime whereas Moss and his gifted secure of talent gamers are stored off the sphere.
4. USC’s offensive line will wrestle at occasions
Coach Steve Sarkisian and the Texas Longhorns had the right recreation plan for the Wolverines after Michigan held Fresno State to only 10 factors in Week 1.
Texas didn’t throw at Week 1 hero Will Johnson, as an alternative torching new 2024-2025 beginning cornerback Jyaire Hill and different inexperienced Michigan DBs for giant chunks of yardage.
Michigan’s stout line of defense was nullified with fast passes that took benefit of Hill’s inexperience.
Anticipate changes from Michigan DC Wink Martindale which can permit the Wolverines line of defense to stymie the Trojans offensive line, which was tossed round at occasions by LSU’s entrance in Week 1.
3. Michigan’s working recreation will enhance
Final Saturday, Michigan racked up 301 dashing yards in opposition to Arkansas State utilizing Kalel Mullings because the hammer (ala Blake Corum from final 12 months) and Donovan Edwards because the “lightning” complement participant.
This association fits each gamers properly and Orji ought to make it powerful for USC to key in on both working again along with his power and dashing capacity.
Anticipate Michigan to return to smash-mouth soccer this week, with rising heart Greg Crippen a focus within the offensive assault.
2. USC’s passing offense will hit on quite a few massive performs
Michigan has a probably good-to-very good protection however Martindale, for all his intelligence and creativity, looks as if a fish out of water to date on the main faculty degree to date.
The Wolverines badly miss the regular play of security Rod Moore, who quietly developed into top-of-the-line ball-hawking defensive backs in faculty soccer final season.
Backfield mate Makari Paige picked up the slack final week however Michigan’s secondary nonetheless has a number of inconsistent gamers who may turn out to be fodder for USC’s receivers if Moss is given sufficient time within the pocket to throw the soccer down the sphere on Saturday.
1. USC will win a detailed recreation
It is tempting to take USC and the factors (-4.5 on DraftKings) on this recreation however Michigan is aware of how vital this contest is for a profitable season and can play targeted and difficult.
Michigan’s dashing offense and the presence of Orji will preserve this recreation shut.
Ultimately, although, essential turnovers and/or missed alternatives by Orji, coupled with an excessive amount of steadiness and robust QB play on offense from the Trojans, will rule the day.
USC wins, 24-20, in a detailed one in Ann Arbor.
