USC vs. Michigan: Picks, Predictions and Odds

The No. 11 USC Trojans travel to Ann Arbor to take on the No. 18 Michigan Wolverines in a high-stakes Week 4 matchup on Saturday.

This highly anticipated game pits two iconic programs against each other for the first time in Big Ten play, with USC favored by 5.5 points.

Let’s dive into the key storylines, betting picks and predictions for this critical showdown.

USC vs. Michigan betting picks and predictions

USC -5.5 (-110)

USC enters this game as the favorite, carrying a 2-0 record and coming off a dominant 48-0 win over Utah State.

Their early-season success includes a huge victory against LSU in Las Vegas, where the Trojans’ defense surprised many with its effectiveness. The improvement under new defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn has been remarkable, holding opponents to just 204 total rushing yards over two games.

Miller Moss, the junior quarterback for USC, has been solid in leading the Trojans' offense, throwing for 378 yards in a come-from-behind win against LSU. However, this will be his first true road test in a hostile environment and how he handles Michigan's defense will be crucial.

Michigan, on the other hand, is facing significant offensive uncertainty. After a disappointing start to the season, head coach Sherrone Moore has benched Davis Warren in favor of Alex Orji, a dynamic runner but a limited passer.

Orji has only attempted six passes in three games this season, and Michigan’s passing game has struggled, which places even more pressure on their rushing attack led by Donovan Edwards and Kalel Mullings.

This game’s outcome may hinge on whether Michigan can establish its ground game to control the clock and keep USC’s explosive offense off the field.

But, given USC’s defensive improvement and Michigan’s inability to generate offense through the air, it’s hard to see the Wolverines keeping pace.

USC’s spread of -5.5 seems like a solid bet, especially considering the Trojans’ ability to spread Michigan’s defense with their quick passing game and playmakers like Zachariah Branch, who can stretch the field.

Under 46.5 (-110)

The total for this game has fallen from 52.5 initially to 46.5 currently, reflecting the defensive strengths of both teams and Michigan’s offensive struggles.

Michigan is averaging just 23.3 points per game through three contests, a number that’s concerning given the level of competition they’ve faced so far.

Their offense has yet to show it can consistently move the ball, especially through the air, and with Orji under center, the Wolverines are likely to lean heavily on their running game.

USC’s defense, which was a major question mark coming into the season, has been impressive, particularly in stopping the run. They held LSU to just 87 rushing yards and completely shut out Utah State’s offense.

If Michigan can't get their running backs going, it’s hard to see how they’ll score enough points to push this game toward the Over.

Furthermore, Michigan’s defense is still elite. While they’ve been inconsistent at times, they still boast one of the top defensive lines in the country.

With potential first-round picks like Will Johnson and Mason Graham in the mix, they’ll provide plenty of resistance to USC’s high-flying offense.

Moss will likely face more pressure than he’s seen in any of his previous starts and, while USC’s offense has plenty of firepower, they’ll likely have to grind out points rather than putting up big numbers.

Given the matchup of two teams that prefer to control the clock and the line of scrimmage, the Under feels like the right play.

Michigan’s best chance to stay competitive is to slow down the game and limit USC’s possessions. Expect a defensive battle with fewer points than typical for a USC game.

Read more betting picks and predictions for College Football on site.

USC vs. Michigan odds

USC	-220 ML
Michigan	+180 ML
Spread	USC -5.5
Total Points	O/U 46.5

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.