At USC (Oct. 11): L
The Trojans are a hard team to read. They won just seven games last season in their first in the Big Ten but did finish strong.
Jayden Maiava played well down the stretch for the Trojans after transferring from UNLV before the 2024 season. He had over 1,200 yards passing to go along with 11 touchdown passes and six intercpetions.
However, the QBR rating was 72. Maiava had at least three touchdown passes in three of the past four games. He also had multple interceptions twice, too.
USC should have one of the best passing games in the Big Ten. Lincoln Riley can still coach quarterbacks, so expect a big jump from Maiava in production. If Riley can coach the turnovers out of him, the offense could be special with dynamic wideouts Makai Lemon and Ja'Kobi Lane back in the fold.
USC also landed Eli Sanders, a 1,000-yard rusher in the portal from New Mexico. USC might not be a College Football Playoff team; however, winning in LA won't be easy, especially for the Wolverines, simply due to travel. Big Ten teams struggled in cross-country trips. Michigan has too over the years.
This will be an entertaining game, and USC ends up being just one of a few teams to crack 20 on Michigan this season. The Wolverines lose on a field goal late, maybe even in overtime. field goal
USC 27, Michigan 24