USC is making a strong impression in its Big Ten debut, quickly climbing the ranks in college football. In the latest AP Poll, the Trojans leaped from No. 23 in Week 1 to No. 11. Meanwhile, Michigan faces uncertainty after a lackluster 28-18 win over Arkansas State in Week 3.
USC now looks like a genuine contender in the Big Ten, while the Wolverines’ chances of defending their conference title seem slim in our USC vs. Michigan prediction.
USC vs. Michigan Betting and DFS Preview
All USC vs. Michigan odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are correct as of Tuesday, Sept. 17.
- Spread
USC -5.5 - Moneyline
USC -218, Michigan +180 - Over/Under
46.5 - 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 a -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 +5.5-point underdog. On the moneyline, Michigan has gone from -300 to +180. USC opened at +250 and is now -218 on the moneyline.
The total has fallen from the opening number of 52.5 to 46.5, mainly due to USC’s defense emerging as one of the early surprises in college football and Michigan’s lack of an air attack.
Top DFS Picks and Fantasy Plays
- QB Miller Moss, USC
- QB Davis Warren, Michigan
- RB Woody Marks, USC
- RB Donovan Edwards, Michigan
- RB Quinten Joyner, USC
- RB Kalel Mullings, Michigan
- WR Lake McRee, USC
- TE Colston Loveland, Michigan
- WR Zachariah Branch, USC
- WR Semaj Morgan, Michigan
Michigan’s passing game has struggled to produce reliable DFS options this season, but tight end Colston Loveland stands out as a potential pick. He has been the focal point of the Wolverines’ aerial attack, recording 19 receptions for 187 yards and a touchdown—no other Michigan receiver has reached double-digit catches.
However, Loveland’s status for Week 4 is uncertain after leaving last week’s game with a leg injury.
MORE: Colston Loveland Injury Latest
On the other hand, Miller Moss has been impressive for USC, consistently piling up yardage through the air. While he doesn’t pose a rushing threat to Michigan, he has proven to be an effective passer and a valuable DFS option.
Despite Michigan’s struggles in the passing game, its ground attack has thrived in 2024. The running back duo of Donovan Edwards and Kalel Mullings has combined for 420 yards and three touchdowns in the first two games.
Michigan will likely lean on its rushing offense once again as they face USC.
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.
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.
MORE: Simulate the College Football Season With CFN’s College Football Playoff Predictor
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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