In one of the most anticipated matchups of Week 4, the Michigan Wolverines will face the USC Trojans at The Big House.
This game marks the first time these two storied programs meet as Big Ten members, though they've clashed before in eight Rose Bowl showdowns. Both teams have had different starts to their 2024 seasons, and the odds definitely reflect that.
The line has seen some big movement ahead of this game. Michigan opened as a 13-point favorite, but as of now, USC is the favorite by 5.5 points.
The total for the game sits at 44, down quite a bit from the opening mark of 53.5. The moneyline has USC at -209, while Michigan is a +171 underdog.
If you’re excited to catch the game this weekend, here are the details you need to get in on the action.
Date: Saturday, Sept. 21
Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
Venue: Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, MI
TV: CBS and Paramount+
Michigan is coming off a rocky start to the season.
After losing 31-12 to Texas at home in Week 2, they struggled to cover the spread in their two wins against Arkansas State and Fresno State. The biggest issue for Michigan has been quarterback play. Davis Warren’s six interceptions over the first three games forced head coach Jim Harbaugh to make a change, giving Alex Orji the start.
Michigan has elite talent at other positions, including defensive stars like CB Will Johnson and DT Mason Graham, but the offense must step up if they hope to compete.
USC, on the other hand, has come out of the gates strong if they want to get over the Wolverines.
They upset LSU in Week 1 as a 4-point underdog and followed it up with a 48-0 blowout against Utah State. New quarterback Miller Moss has done a nice job stepping into Caleb Williams’ shoes, and the Trojans’ defense, which was a liability last season, has improved a lot under new coordinator D’Anton Lynn.
They’re now ranked 55th in total defense, up from 119th last year. That’s a welcomed change.
Injuries could play, and will most likely play a major role in this matchup.
Michigan tight end Colston Loveland is questionable with an arm injury, which would be a blow to their offensive versatility. We’re not so sure he’ll be in play this Saturday.
Orji will also face the pressure of starting his first game at quarterback, which adds even more uncertainty to Michigan’s offense.
For USC, they’ve managed to stay relatively healthy through their first two games, and they’ll look to ride that momentum as they head into this crucial conference matchup.
Michigan’s struggles at QB and their slow start to the season have drastically shifted the odds in favor of USC.
The Trojans undoubtedly have momentum on their side, especially after their dominating performance against Utah State. Even with a strong defense and talent across the board, Michigan’s offensive woes are too glaring to ignore right now.
USC’s defense has been the story of their season so far, and it’s hard to see Michigan, with a new quarterback under center, suddenly finding the rhythm that has eluded them thus far.
While Michigan rarely loses at home, we think that this game might be one of those exceptions.
Taking USC -5.5 feels like the best bet.
The line has moved quite a bit and it’s easy to see why. USC has been undervalued so far this season, and their balanced attack, paired with improved defense, makes them tough to beat.
The Under 44 also looks nice, considering Michigan’s offensive struggles and USC’s improved defense.
BettorsInsiders Prediction: USC 27, Michigan 17