Michigan football took a big leap in the AP and Coaches polls this week, moving up five spots from No. 20 to 15th in each poll following the 24-10 win over Wisconsin.
The Wolverines also moved up in our Big Ten Power Rankings. Penn State crashed out at UCLA this weekend. The Nittany Lions should serve as a reminder to Michigan football that winning out in California isn't easy.
That's the challenge for the Wolverines this week as they hit the road to take on 4-1 USC. The Trojans have looked impressive so far this season under Lincoln Riley. They are 1-1 in the Big Ten, defeating Michigan State 45-31 three weeks ago, before losing to Illinois before a bye week last week.
Michigan football is an underdog against USC
USC ranks third in college football with a scoring average of 48.4 points per game. Jayden Maiava leads the Big Ten in passing yards (1,587). He's also thrown 11 touchdown passes compared to just one interception.
The Trojans are passing for 338 yards per game. Makai Lemon is a big reason for that with 35 receptions for 589 yards, both first in the Big Ten. He's got five touchdown catches too. Yet, the Trojans also run for 222 yards per game. Waymond Jordan is rushing for 107 yards per game.
However, the Trojans also surrender 359 yards per game and have the 64th-best scoring defense in college football. It will surely be a test for Michigan football, but one that Vegas oddmakers don't expect the Wolverines to pass.
Michigan has opened as a 2.5-point underdog. The over/under is 57.5 points. It will be a test for the Wolverines but if they pass it, a playoff berth will feel much more possible.