Michigan football vs. USC: Prediction, Odds, Spread and Over/Under for College Football Week 4

Another big test awaits the 2024 Michigan football team on Saturday. In fact, outside of the Ohio State game, it might be the most important game of the season.

A loss and Michigan football is 2-2. A playoff berth would be incredibly unlikely at that point. The Trojans have an improved defense, a new quarterback in Miller Moss and a win over LSU.

USC also has an offense that is nearly as talented as Texas. The Trojans don't lack playmakers and they have one of the best playmakers in college football. Lincoln Riley against Wink Martindale should be a scary thought for Michigan football fans.

The Trojans are averaging 495 yards per game. Moss is completing 72 percent of his passes. He's also got two touchdowns and zero interceptions. Michigan football, on the other hand, is starting Alex Orji for the first time in what should be an entirely different offense than we saw the first three weeks.

Will it work? Who knows, but here's a look at the key info for Michigan football vs. USC.

Michigan football vs USC odds

USC is a 5.5-point favorite over Michigan according to DraftKings. The over/under is 46.5 and the moneyline is +180 for Michigan and -218 for the Trojans.

Michigan vs. USC How to watch

Date: September 21
Game Time: 3:30 PM EST
Venue: The Big House
How to Watch: CBS Sports | Fubo TV

Michigan football vs. USC players to watch

USC: Miller Moss

The Wolverines need to pressure Moss and force him into a mistake or two. Michigan's offense hasn't shown the ability to score consistently and some favorable field position or even a pick-6 would be huge for Michigan if it wants to pull an upset. However, Moss has been stellar since taking over as the starter in the bowl game. U-M's defensive line needs to win the day and the secondary has to take advantage with a big play or two.

Michigan: Alex Orji

Orji's decision-making will be critical. He has to throw the ball well and protect the ball, but he also has to make the right reads because you can bet we'll see a fair amount of zone-read. The bottom line is that if Orji plays well, the Wolverines will have a chance. If not, USC will roll, like Texas did.

Michigan's defense is good, but not when it has to be on the field for almost the entire first half.

Michigan vs. USC prediction

Michigan football has shown nothing in the first three games to make me believe they can win this game. Wink is a major issue. He needs to have a great day and I'm not just sure he can match wits with Riley calling plays. Sark at his lunch.

The Michigan offensive line also needs to be great and the coaching staff needs to start utilizing Donovan Edwards. It's hard to have confidence in either so give me USC to win and cover the spread..

Prediction: USC 27, Michigan 17