3 reasons why Michigan football will upset USC

For the second time in three weeks, Michigan football will be an underdog at the Big House. It's hard to believe after the home dominance over the past three seasons.

But this is a different Michigan football program. Jim Harbaugh isn't the head coach anymore and despite all the "continuity" hires, the Wolverines are still searching for their identity under Sherrone Moore.

Some of the personnel struggles haven't helped. Moore also wasn't helped by the timing of Harbaugh's departure or the decision to leave by J.J. McCarthy. It's easy to say he should have gotten a transfer portal quarterback, but he was hired a month after all the good ones were taken.

Moore changed course at quarterback this week, going to Alex Orji. That should mean a much different offense and hopefully, a more successful one.

Looking ahead to Saturday, Michigan football is a 6.5-point underdog and here are three reasons they can pull off the upset against USC.

An amped up running game

At the very least, there's no question about the offensive identity of Michigan football. The Wolverines are going to be a run-based offense. For the first time since Denard Robinson was playing quarterback, the QB-run game and the zone-read will be key parts of the offense.

USC is much better defensively this season. But they have allowed four yards per attempt during the first two games and haven't had to face a QB like Orji. Michigan's offensive line was better with Greg Crippen and my hope that is he gets the nod at center, although it seems unlikely.

USC has struggled with dual-threat quarterbacks in the past, as well as physical teams. This will be a test for their defense, but with Orji, Donovan Edwards, and Kalel Mullings, Michigan should be able to establish the run, which would be a massive step toward a win.