The under will hit
Michigan's defense is good. But it has been giving up some stuff, especially in the passing game this season. My hope is that Rod Moore is on the field more on Saturday.
If he plays every snap, if he's able to, that would help this defense. The Wolverines could also tighten up some of the defensive rotations. 27 players got snaps against Wisconsin. Some of that was on the last defensive drive but a lot of it wasn't.
Michigan has been doing this for years. It's not new. But there are a few players, who need to stay on the field more such as Rod, Jaishawn Barham, and Derrick Moore.
Regardless, this USC offense is legit. The Trojans are scoring 48 points per game. Jayden Maiava leads the Big Ten in passing yards (1,587). Makai Lemon leads the conference in receptions (35) and receiving yards (589).
it's not crazy to say that Lemon is the best wide receiver in college football. Michigan did have success with Ryan Williams and Jeremiah Smith last season. They also gave up 24 points to a mediocre USC team at the Big House.
Lincoln Riley's teams can't play defense. They are also hard to stop. Part of the strategy for Michigan will be run the ball, grind the clock and try to keep the ball away.
That will work to an extent, and the red zone defense will be a factor. It feels like USC needs to score 30 points to win this game. If Michigan can run the ball, get one or two red-zone stops, it will be difficult to do.
In terms of the over/under, the two teams will fall short of the 56.5 points.