USC is making waves in their Big Ten season debut, quickly rising from No. 23 to No. 11 in the latest AP Poll. Meanwhile, Michigan faces questions after a less-than-convincing 28-18 win over Arkansas State in Week 3.
With USC emerging as a real contender in the Big Ten, the Wolverines’ hopes of defending their conference title appear dim in our USC vs. Michigan prediction.
USC vs. Michigan Betting Preview
All USC vs. Michigan odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are correct as of Saturday, September 21, 2024.
- Spread
USC -4.5 - Moneyline
USC -192, Michigan +160 - Over/Under
44 - Game time
3:30 p.m. ET - Location
Michigan Stadium | Ann Arbor, Mich. - Predicted Weather at Kick
82 degrees, Partly Cloudy - How to Watch
CBS
When Michigan was the preseason No. 10 ranked team in the nation, the Wolverines opened as an 8.5-point favorite over a USC squad that was ranked No. 23 but had plenty of question marks surrounding it. A lot has changed since Week 1, including the spread and moneylines in this Big Ten matchup.
Following USC’s season-opening upset victory over LSU and Michigan’s home blowout loss to Texas, the lines for this matchup have changed drastically. Michigan has gone from an -8.5-point favorite to a +4.5-point underdog. On the moneyline, Michigan has gone from -300 to +160. USC opened at +250 and is now -192 on the moneyline.
The total has fallen from the opening number of 52.5 to 44, mainly due to USC’s defense emerging as one of the early surprises in college football and Michigan’s lack of an air attack.
Prediction for USC vs. Michigan
In Week 3, the Wolverines hosted Arkansas State and struggled to secure a 28-18 victory. Despite jumping out to a 28-3 lead, Michigan never seemed to have full control of the game.
Michigan’s passing game was a major concern once again. The Wolverines managed just 134 passing yards, completing only 13 passes while throwing three interceptions against Arkansas State.
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This lackluster performance came on the heels of a 31-12 defeat to No. 3 Texas the week before, where the defending national champions were outclassed in every aspect of the game.
Michigan’s now-former starting quarterback, Warren, has thrown for just 322 yards this season—less than USC’s Moss accumulated in his Week 1 win over LSU.
Moss, meanwhile, has quickly proven his capabilities. Tasked with replacing Caleb Williams, the former Heisman Trophy winner and No. 1 overall NFL draft pick, Moss has excelled. He has thrown for 600 yards and two touchdowns in USC’s two victories.
This disparity highlights Michigan’s core problem: can their offense keep up with USC? Can their defense hold strong for a full four quarters? It seems unlikely.
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While they may keep pace defensively in the early stages, USC’s leadership at quarterback and dynamic skill players could eventually wear down the Wolverines’ defense.
The Prediction: USC 24, Michigan 13
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