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3 keys to an upset win for Michigan football over USC

Here are the biggest keys for Michigan football if the Wolverines want to upset 11th-ranked USC on Saturday.

By Chris Peterson

Sep 7, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley reacts against the Utah State Aggies during the first quarter at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images
Sep 7, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley reacts against the Utah State Aggies during the first quarter at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images / Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images
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Over the past few days, the odds have been trending in the direction of Michigan football. USC opened the week as a 6.5-point favorite according to DraftKings. Now, the line is 4.5.

That doesn't mean anything but I have felt more confident in the Wolverines as the week has gone on. USC has a stellar offense. Miller Moss has been an effective quarterback and Lincoln Riley is one of the best in the business.

The Trojans don't have a shortage of weapons. But they have struggled with physical teams over the years. Utah comes to mind. Michigan football hasn't looked like a playoff contender through three games but with Alex Orji at quarterback, maybe things will change.

With that in mind, here are the three biggest keys for Michigan football on Saturday.

Run the damn ball

Alex Orji playing quarterback will help with this. But whether it's Orji or Davis Warren, if the running game isn't working, Michigan football is going to struggle to move the ball.

The nice thing is that Orji makes defenses account for him. That can open up stuff for others. We have to see how committed Michigan football is to a zone-read style offense. I'm sure we will still see U-M under center. That's what they believe in and they like to play-action pass.

But Orji is probably better as a pure shotgun quarterback. Michigan coaches will have to get creative but there is more than enough on this roster to have a potent rushing attack. If they can't get it going on the ground, it will be a long day.

Pressure the quarterback

Michigan didn't apply much pressure at all to Quinn Ewers in the first loss of the season for the Wolverines and if they allow Miller Moss to get comfortable, there are things USC can exploit.

Michigan needs to make USC one-dimensional. They need to put all the pressure on Moss and dial up some pass rush. If U-M can get to him, it can win this game.

Win the turnover battle

The turnover battle usually decides the winner and to be frank, I don't know that Michigan football is good enough to overcome being negative in the turnover ratio.

An early turnover from USC is exactly what his team needs. The defense needs a spark and the whole team could use a shot in the arm.

Hopefully, it comes on Saturday. The defense is due for a game-changing play.

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