USC Trojans' Intriguing Betting Odds vs. Michigan Released

USC’s Offense To Maintain Explosiveness?

The USC Trojans' offense has been one of the strongest units in college football. Quarterback Jayden Maiava has been leading the team to success and is looking to do so again against a ranked opponent.

Maiava has been one of the top quarterbacks in college football and is leading the Trojans on big drives. He totals 1,587 passing yards and 11 touchdowns. He has thrown just one interception and has a completion percentage of 70.5.

Maiava does not rely on running the ball often, but he can when he needs to. He has been sacked three times this season and has rushed for 57 yards and four touchdowns.

Wide receiver Makai Lemon is putting on a performance that is greatly increasing his NFL Draft stock. Lemon is a player who will do whatever he must to make the catch and is a speedy athlete. He leads the team with 589 receiving yards and five touchdowns.

One of the reasons the Trojans have found immense success on offense is that both the ground and air game have been strong. USC has three players with over 100 rushing yards. Running back Waymond Jordan leads the Trojans with 537 rushing yards and five touchdowns.

Running backs Eli Sanders and King Miller are able to rotate into the game and keep up with the team’s momentum. Sanders totals 264 yards and two touchdowns, while Miller has 152 yards and two touchdowns. 

While it could be a surprise that USC is the favorite to win the game, the Trojans have an explosive offense that will put up a big fight against the Wolverines.

Can USC’s Defense Regroup?

One of the biggest areas that needs to be improved is USC’s defense. The Trojans have talented players, but USC has had back-to-back games giving up too many points. Coming out of the bye week, USC’s defense could be regrouped and focused before taking on the Michigan Wolverines. 

USC’s biggest defensive player is linebacker Eric Gentry, who has been having a stellar season. Gentry leads the team with 35 combined tackles, three sacks, and three forced fumbles.

Safety Bishop Fitzgerald has also been a big player, totalling 25 tackles, one pass defended, and three interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown.

If USC can come back from the bye more healthy and focused, the Trojans' defense can get back to its dominant nature.

Michigan Wolverines USC's Toughest Opponent Yet?

The Michigan Wolverines are 4-1, coming off a win against the Wisconsin Badgers. The one loss of the season was against the No. 5 Oklahoma Sooners. While they are a tough, ranked opponent, the Trojans are favored and could pull off the win.

Michigan is led by quarterback Bryce Underwood, the true freshman who came in with high expectations. Underwood totals 1,003 passing yards and three touchdowns. He has thrown just one interception and been sacked one time. Despite passing for over 1,000 yards, he has a 59.2 completion percentage.

If USC can shut down the passing game quickly, the Trojans' defense has to be ready for Underwood to take the ball himself, as Underwood has rushed for 181 yards for three touchdowns.

Wide receiver Donaven McCulley leads the Wolverines with 309 receiving yards and one touchdown. Michigan has a strong run game, led by running back Justice Haynes. Haynes has totaled 654 rushing yards and eight touchdowns and will be a key player for the Trojans to watch for.

 The Michigan Wolverines have done well keeping their opponents out of the end zone. The Trojans' offense will have to watch for linebacker Ernest Hausmann, who leads the team with 31 total tackles and one sack. Edge rusher Derrick Moore will be another player to shut down quickly, as he leads Michigan with 2.5 sacks.

The USC Trojans will take on the No. 20 Michigan Wolverines on Saturday, Oct. 11, at 4:30 p.m. PT. The game will be held at the L.A. Memorial Coliseum.

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