USC vs. Michigan prediction & betting tips - September 21 | College Football Week 4

Images courtesy of USC & Michigan Athletics
Images courtesy of USC & Michigan Athletics

In a Big Ten matchup between two ranked teams on Saturday afternoon, the 11th-ranked USC Trojans head to Michigan Stadium to take on the 18th-ranked Michigan Wolverines. These teams are both playing well, and this could be a game that will be a test as this is the first Big Ten game for USC.

The Trojans (2-0, 0-0 Big Ten) are playing well to begin the season as they were off last week. However, they began the season on a two-game winning streak after a dominant 48-0 home win over the Utah State Aggies on Sept. 7. Junior quarterback Miller Moss played well under center as he went 21 of 30 for 229 yards with a passing touchdown while also adding a seven-yard carry.

The Wolverines (2-1, 0-0) are looking to figure things out as they try to build off Saturday's 28-18 home victory over the Arkansas State Red Wolves. Junior quarterback Alex Orji is expected to get the start in this game, and he came off the bench against the Red Wolves, finishing 2 of 4 for 12 yards with a passing touchdown as well as three rushing attempts for 27 yards (9.0 yards per carry).

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USC vs. Michigan prediction

This game does not have the same prestige as we thought it would have coming off of last season, but it still is massive nonetheless. The Trojans have seemingly fixed their defensive woes, and that will be the difference here. Alex Orji has not played much college football and was beaten out for the QB1 role by a walk-on in Davis Warren earlier in the season.

He's also not getting the start because of his excellent play, but because of Warren's terrible performance. The Trojans understand that the Big Ten will be tough, and getting that first conference win on the board is critical. Expect Miller Moss to have a massive game against a tough Wolverines defense after only throwing two touchdowns in his first two games.

While this is not saying to expect what he did at last year's Holiday Bowl, this should be closer to that type of performance than what we saw thus far. All in all, go with the USC Trojans to cover the spread on the road and hand the Michigan Wolverines their second loss of the season.

USC vs. Michigan betting tips

Tip 1: USC Trojans -4.5 (-110)

Tip 2: Donovan Edwards Anytime TD (+120)

Tip 3: Miller Moss 3+ Passing TDs (+250)

USC vs. Michigan head-to-head

The USC Trojans and the Michigan Wolverines are gearing up for their 11th meeting all-time in this Week 4 game. The Trojans hold a 6-4 advantage in the series, including winning each of the previous three games. Their last meeting took place in Pasadena during the 2007 season, as Pete Carroll's Trojans won 32-18.

How to watch USC vs. Michigan

This game will be available on CBS for those wanting to watch on linear television. However, it will also be available to stream on Paramount+, Hulu + Live Sports, Fubo TV, Sling TV, DirecTV Stream and YouTube TV.

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Edited by R. Elahi