The USC Trojans (2-0) face off against the Michigan Wolverines (2-1) on Saturday, September 21st. This game will be played at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor and televised on CBS. Both team’s come into this one having won their previous games. Kickoff is set for 3:30 ET.
USC Trojans vs Michigan Wolverines
USC Offense Breakdown
USC’s offense was unstoppable in their 48-0 win, racking up 548 total yards and 28 first downs. The ground game was particularly effective, with the Trojans rushing for 253 yards and five touchdowns. Woody Marks led the way with 103 yards on 13 carries, averaging 7.9 yards per attempt, and finding the end zone once.
Miller Moss, meanwhile, completed 70% of his passes for 229 yards and one touchdown. His top target, Lake McRee, caught four passes for 81 yards, helping the Trojans to a balanced offensive performance.
Michigan Offense Breakdown
In their 28-18 win over Arkansas State, Michigan’s offense put up 435 total yards, with 301 of those coming on the ground. The Wolverines picked up 20 first downs and scored three rushing touchdowns. Their passing game was less effective, with just 134 yards and one touchdown through the air.
Davis Warren, who completed 11 of 14 passes for 122 yards, was the team’s leading passer. However, he also threw three interceptions. Kalel Mullings was the standout performer on the ground, rushing for 153 yards on 15 carries and scoring two touchdowns. Marlin Klein led the receiving corps with three catches for 43 yards.
USC Team Defense
USC’s defense will need to tighten up in the secondary after allowing 245 passing yards and two touchdowns in their most recent game. Despite this, the Trojans managed to shut out Utah State, winning 48-0. USC’s defense forced two interceptions and held Utah State to 147 rushing yards and 392 total yards.
USC Team Defense
Michigan’s defense allowed 280 total yards in their most recent game, with the majority of that coming through the air. Arkansas State completed 26 passes for 222 yards and two touchdowns, but Michigan’s secondary did come up with one interception. The Wolverines were strong against the run, holding Arkansas State to just 58 yards on the ground.
USC vs Michigan Trends
- Across the USC Trojans last ten road games, the team averaged 38 points per game while allowing 36. Their record vs the spread in these contests was 4-6, while going 7-3 straight-up.
- Michigan has played well in their previous five home games, going 5-0 straight up. In this stretch, they averaged 36 points per game while allowing 9. The team also performed well vs the spread at 4-1.
- Going back to their last three games as the underdog, the Michigan Wolverines have a straight up record of 1-2. But, their mark vs the spread was just 1-2.
- In their last three contests as the favorite, USC has a poor record vs the spread going 1-2. But, they still put together a straight up mark of 2-1.
Trojans vs Wolverines Prediction
Michigan comes into this week four matchup as the +5.5 point underdogs at home, but we like their chances to pull off the upset vs. USC. Our projected final score is 27-22 in favor of the Wolverines, making them a good bet to cover the spread.
With the over/under line sitting at 46.5 points, we have these teams combining for 49 points, making the over the best play for this matchup.
All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!
* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.
Last updated:September 17, 2024 Michigan Wolverines, USC Trojans