5 bold predictions for Michigan football against USC

Max Bredeson catches a touchdown

Jim Harbaugh talked about how offensive linemen are weapons last year after the NFL draft when the Chargers took an O-line with their first-round pick.

Max Bredeson isn't an offensive lineman, but he sure is a weapon as a blocker and Michigan football needs to find as many ways to take advantage of him as possible.

Bredeson is tremendous in the run game, so run plays that get him in a position to do what he does best. That can take some pressure off the offensive line and also create chances for other plays. The more defenses sell out to stop the run, the more play-action passes will become available.

With all of the success I expect Michigan to have on the ground, I think we'll see a few passes to Bredeson and believe he'll get one in the red zone for a touchdown.

Michigan football vs. USC score prediction

I think Michigan will do some good things. The offense will find some success on the ground but if Colston Loveland doesn't play, I'm not sure there are enough weapons to beat a talented USC team. Moss has been playing well at quarterback and doesn't make many mistakes. USC has also allowed just two sacks this season and I'm worried that Wink Martindale will get blitz happy.

Some of those might work, but Michigan needs to get back to what worked last season, which was playing safeties deep. However, that requires a defensive front who can win without as many guys in the box.

That remains to be seen, plus I have big questions about the linebackers in coverage. USC didn't have to outrun LSU to win and they won't have to on Saturday either. I'm going to change slightly and say Michigan covers the spread, but I think USC (unfortunately) wins the game thanks to a couple of costly giveaways by the Michigan offense.

Prediction: USC 24, Michigan 20